Teen dating violence is on the rise Published Feb. 18, 2011 By Chrisan Smith 377th Medical Operations Squadron Family Advocacy Outreach Program Manager Kirtland Air Force Base, NM -- Dating violence is fast becoming a major issue for many teens. In a 2009 study, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found approximately one in 10 teens, both girls and boys, reported physical dating violence in the past year. Another study suggests that, if psychological and sexual violence are factored in, the number increases to one in four. First-term Airmen frequently report that they had been in abusive relationships in high school. When asked about the incidents, they reported being stalked, hit, cut, punched, kicked, shoved and slapped. A surprising number report that a former girlfriend or boyfriend threatened or tried to kill them. Threats of suicide, "if you leave," are also often reported. Teen dating violence differs from adult domestic violence and from intimate partner violence because, as parents know, teens are not adults. Adolescence is a time of many changes and great confusion. The part of the brain that provides impulse control and the ability to assess the consequences of behavior does not fully develop until the mid-20s. Additionally, teens may mistake overly jealous or controlling behavior as "love." Teens themselves are unaware of how often dating violence occurs. Also, teens in violent relationships often do not tell anyone, except, perhaps, their best friends. Parents should be alert to any bruises or marks on their teen or if their teen becomes more exclusively interactive with the girlfriend or boyfriend, spending less time with other friends and family. Other possible indicators of a violent relationship are: withdrawn or a quieter-than-usual demeanor, easily distracted when spoken to, and constantly checking their cell phone and becoming agitated by the text or message received. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that parents begin talking with their children about healthy relationships and friendships in elementary school, and about dating violence well before the child begins dating. Keep the conversation open and let your child know you are there to help and support him or her. Trust your teen's instincts and take any threats seriously. February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, so take the opportunity to begin the conversation with your child. Additional resources are available at the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline, 866-331-9474, and at these websites: www.safespace.org ; www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention ; www.chooserespect.org ; www.safeyouth.org ; www.endabuse.org ; and www.nomeansknow.com . For more information and classes for parents and teens, call the Family Advocacy Outreach Manager at 846-0139.