Understanding dating violence Published Feb. 4, 2015 By Amia Watson 341st Medical Operations Squadron MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Teen dating violence is defined as the physical, sexual, or psychological/emotional violence within a dating relationship. Several different words are used to describe teen dating violence including: · Relationship Abuse · Intimate Partner Violence · Relationship Violence · Dating Abuse · Domestic Abuse · Domestic Violence Adolescents and adults are often unaware how regularly dating violence occurs. In a nationwide survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2009, 9.8 percent of high school students report being hit, slapped or physically hurt on purpose by their boyfriend or girlfriend in the 12 months prior to the survey. As teens develop emotionally, they are heavily influenced by their relationship experiences. Healthy relationship behaviors can have a positive effect on a teen's emotional development. Unhealthy, abusive or violent relationships can cause short term and long term negative effects, or consequences to the developing teen. Victims of teen dating violence are more likely to do poorly in school, and report binge drinking, suicide attempts and physical fighting. Victims may also carry the patterns of violence into future relationships. Quite a few teens are involved in violent relationships, and many think it's justified. After all, society seems to be okay with it, just look at all the TV shows and listen to popular songs these days. Violence is never acceptable. But there are reasons why it happens. Violence is related to certain risk factors. Risks of having unhealthy relationships increase for teens who: · Believe it is okay to use threats or violence to get their way or to express frustration or anger. · Use alcohol or drugs. · Can't manage anger or frustration. · Hang out with violent peers. · Have a friend involved in dating violence. · Have low self-esteem or are depressed. · Have learning difficulties and other problems at school. · Don't have parental supervision and support. · Witness violence at home or in the community. · Have a history of aggressive behavior or bullying. For individuals who fell like they have been or are a victim of domestic violence, the following resources are available: · National Dating Violence Hotline - Thehotline.org · Love is Respect - Loveisrespect.org · Military One Source Abuse Page - Militaryonesource.mil/abuse · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - cdcinfo@cdc.gov or 800-232-4636 For more information on resources available to teenagers who may be victims of domestic violence, contact Family Advocacy at 731-2161.