Advocacy and Resource Center talk teen dating violence

February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. The month gives the Nation an opportunity to educate and bring awareness to an issue that impacts everyone – not just teens – but their parents, teachers, friends and communities.

Sheridan County Advocacy and Resource Center Yvonne Swanson and Assistant Director Rhonda Weber made an appearance on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse to discuss teen dating violence. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a survey found that one in 12 teens experienced physical dating violence, that same number experienced sexual dating violence. 

The survey also found that female students experienced higher rates of physical and sexual dating violence than male students. 

Weber said that survey only looked at physical violence. The number of teens who have experienced emotional and mental abuse by partners is much higher. 

R. Weber

With the advent of technology, these types of aggressive tactics can continue throughout the day and well into the night through texting, emails and social media. This affects not only overall well-being of mental and emotional health but performance in the classroom, in sports and interactions with family members. 

These types of abuse can be detrimental to the mental health of teens, who may lack the emotional understanding of what is happening to them. Even many adults in abusive relationships have a tough time understanding they are being abused through manipulation, guilt and threats of abandonment or physical violence. 

Swanson said these types of abusive texts and messages are becoming more common with technology and parents can watch for the red flags in behavioral changes of their teens. 

  Y. Swanson 

Having these conversations with your teens can be tough. The Advocacy and Resource Center is ready to help. The advocates often visit with teens during school assemblies on these types of abuse and the use of technology.

If you are a parent that needs advice or help, contact the ARC at 307-672-7471 or if you are in crisis, call 307-672-3222. 

Swanson also invites people to visit the Advocacy and Resource Center located at 136 Coffeen Ave. in Sheridan.