Teen Dating Violence or Domestic Violence can take numerous forms – many of which don’t leave any physical marks. Dating Violence is a widespread issue. In fact of the high school students who have dated, 21% of females and 10% of males have experienced physical and/or sexual dating violence1. Dating violence can have serious short or long-term effects, but many teens are afraid to tell friends and family so they remain quiet. If you have, are currently, or know someone who has experienced dating violence, please see below for resources.
Your Rights
- Protection Orders – can order the abuser to stop hurting you, harassing you or threating you.
- You have the right to issue a protection order when anyone has physically abused, sexually abused, threatened to physically abuse or stalk, or damaged your property.
- In the District of Columbic, anyone age 12 and over has the right to obtain a protection order without a parent, guardian, or custodian.
- Anyone age 11 and younger has the right to obtain a protection order with a parent, guardian, or custodian. If notifying the parent, guardian, or custodian is not in your best interest, then you can obtain a protection order without notifying them.
- Even if you do not live in DC, you have the right to file a protection order if the abuse happened in DC.
- The Police
- You have the right to have all of your dating violence allegations reported by the police.
- D.C. has a mandatory arrest policy in cases of domestic violence. This means that if the police believe that an offense has occurred, they will arrest the offender even if you do not want them to
- Criminal Prosecution
- Once an arrest has been made, you have the right to file criminal charges against the abuser. As the victim of the crime, you may be called as a witness
- Once criminal files are charged, you do not have the right to drop the case. This must be done by the U.S. Attorney’s office.
- Once an arrest has been made, you have the right to file criminal charges against the abuser. As the victim of the crime, you may be called as a witness
What is teen dating violence?
According to the CDC, teen dating violence is defined as physical, sexual, psychological, and emotional violence within a dating relationship, including stalking. It can occur in person or electronically (ex: social media) and might occur between a current or former dating partner. There are many words used to describe teen dating violence such as relationship abuse, intimate partner violence, domestic abuse, and domestic violence. Teen dating violence can be a pattern of behaviors used by someone to establish power and control over someone else. This power and control can take many forms such as emotional, sexual, and/or physical abuse. Often abusive partners threaten, isolate, and intimidate the other to maintain their power in the relationship. Although not all of these behaviors are against the law, they are all unacceptable. No one, despite their gender, deserves abuse.
It is important to note that domestic violence can take numerous forms – many of which don’t leave any physical marks. Dating violence can have serious short or long-term effects, but many teens are afraid to tell friends and family so they remain quiet. If you have, are currently, or know someone who has experienced dating violence, please see below for resources.
Resources
If you feel unsafe, the following hotlines and local shelters can help you come up with a plan.
- House of Ruth: 202-667-7001 ext. 515
- My Sister's Place: 202-529-5991
- Break the Cycle (ages 12-24): 202-824-0707 or 888-988-TEEN (8336)
- Deaf Abused Women's Network: TTY - 202-861-0258; Fax - 202-466-3226
- Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse: 877-885-2232
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Domestic Violence Hotline (TTY): 1-800-787-3224
- The Lighthouse Center for Healing: 202-742-1720
- DC Rape Crisis Center: 202-333-RAPE (202-333-7273)
Talking to a Friend: If you think a friend is experiencing or causing abusive behaviors, there are ways you can help. More information from Break the Cycle found here.
- Start the Conversation – Starting the conversation may be very difficult, but you can let your friend know you have noticed certain things.
- Be Supportive – Even if your friend does not recognize abuse, you should be supportive.
- Keep Your Communication Door Open – Even if your friend doesn’t make the decision you want, you should always remain calm and be there for them.
- When in Need Get Support – If your friend is in immediate danger or their life is at risk or threatened, call 911.