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For Teens

Dating Violence in Teen Relationships
From the Municipality of Anchorage, Department of Health and Human Services, Safety Links Program

Some popular music and videos romanticize violence in relationships. For those who experience the violence it is neither romantic nor fun. The publication "Broken Hearts: Dating Violence in Teen Relationships" from the Municipality of Anchorage, Department of Health and Human Services, Safety Links Program 907-343-6302 provides some important information about violence in teen relationships. You can contact them for a copy of the publication.

Here are a few points to consider:

Dating violence occurs when one person in a dating relationship threatens physical harm or injures their boyfriend or girlfriend. The violence is also sometimes called abuse and can be emotional, verbal, physical or sexual. Stalking and cyber stalking are also considered dating violence if the person stalking you is a current or past boyfriend or girlfriend. Dating violence is hurtful to guys and girls.

Dating violence is about having power and control over someone. One person in the relationship wants to control their boyfriend or girlfriend's life. They get that control by using frightening or scary behavior.

Sometimes people who have experienced dating violence think that the violence is their fault. It's not. The person using the violence is responsible for their own actions. One study shows that one out of four high school students have experienced violence in a dating relationship. Nobody deserves to be hurt by dating violence.

Staying Safe: What should you do?

According to the Municipality of Anchorage Safety Links Program, if you are the victim of violence in a relationship you should "Tell someone about the violence including any stalking or cyber stalking activities. Talk to an adult you trust about what is going on in the dating relationship. Get support from an agency in the community."

Friends can give good advice, but sometimes they can also give bad advice. Sometimes friends use negative pressure to make a person do something he or she would not ordinarily do. .... In addition to talking to friends, it is important to get another perspective. You should talk to a relative, your parents, the school nurse, a friend's parents, your favorite teacher, a guidance counselor or a church leader. Talking with others is a way for you to have emotional support. It helps to know that you are not alone.

Here are a few places you can call if you or someone you care about is in a violent dating relationship.

National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline (24-hour) 1-800-331-9474

Emergency Police Assistance 911

Covenant House Community Resource Center (24-hour) Nineline - 1-800-999-9999

National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Check out the new web site for teens www.itsnotcool.me - a site focused on healthy relationships and teen dating violence.

Or visit the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault website for links to programs in your community.

Youth Leadership in Alaska

LeadOn!For Peace and Equality in Alaska is a youth leadership program focusing on promoting healthy relationships, preventing violence and supporting projects that promote healthy lifestyles. Learn more by visiting the website.