Hello everyone –
February starts in just a few days – did you know that February is Teen Violence Dating Awareness Month? Have you talked to the teens in your life (kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews) about healthy relationships? Do they know what’s healthy and what’s not? Do they know the warning signs of an abusive relationship? Do you?
Did you know (according to LoveisRespect):
“1 in 3 U.S. teens will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they’re in a relationship with before they become adults”.
That’s a lot of teens!
Take 2 minutes and watch this video with the teens in your life maybe even go over the warning signs listed below – let’s learn together.
It’s so important to make sure that we and our teens understand what the warning signs of dating abuse look. Here are a few of the signs – do you notice any of these things happening in your teens relationship? Have you seen your teen check their boyfriend or girlfriends social media accounts? Have you noticed your teen worrying that their partner temper? Take time this month and talk with your teen.
Warning Signs:
- Checking your phone, email, or social media accounts without your permission.
- Putting you down frequently, especially in front of others.
- Isolating you from friends or family (physically, financially, or emotionally).
- Extreme jealousy or insecurity.
- Explosive outbursts, temper, or mood swings.
- Any form of physical harm.
- Possessiveness or controlling behavior.
- Pressuring you or forcing you to have sex.
Abusive relationships are all about power and control. While your teen may be unwilling or unable to leave their relationship right now, it’s important that they know that abusive partners are unlikely to change their behavior. You and your teens first priority should always be personal safety.
For more information on teen dating violence or ways to talk to your teen – check out https://www.loveisrespect.org/ – you’re not alone!
Contact Haven to discuss your teen’s situation and to identify possible signs of an unhealthy or abusive relationships.
Haven Office Hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday – Friday
HAVEN Does NOT provide 24- hour service. After hours please call:
StrongHearts Native Helpline https://strongheartshelpline 1-844-762-8483 (call or text) or Community Crisis Center, Miami, OK 1-800-400-0883
StrongHearts and Community Crisis Center have 24 hour service
HAVEN is a tribal advocacy program offering support for all victims of crime, specifically domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. We serve all ESTOO tribal members REGARDLESS of where they live and local community members within Ottawa County and the cities of Vinita, Jay, Grove OK and Seneca, MO.
Please call the HAVEN office during business hours for more information.
918-554-2836 or Text Line: 918.533.3070
Program Website: https://havenprogram.com/
Program Email: havenprogram@estoo.net
Facebook: HAVEN Tribal Program, Twitter: @ProgramHaven, Instagram: HAVENTRIBALProgram.
