CONTACT
Julie Naughton, Communications and Legislative Services, (402) 471-1695 (office); (402) 405-7202 (cell); julie.naughton@nebraska.gov
Lincoln – The effects of dating abuse – a pattern of physically, sexually, or emotionally abusive behavior that is used to exert power and control over a partner – can last a lifetime. Victims are more likely to abuse drugs, drop out of school, suffer from depression and/or anxiety, having eating disorders and attempt suicide.
That's why Nebraska's Division of Behavioral Health, part of the Department of Health and Human Services, urges parents and other adults to have frank conversations with their children during Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. DHHS is one of the providers of funds to The Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence.
According to breakthecycle.org, 69.5 percent of women and 53.6 percent of men who have been physically or sexually abused or stalked by a dating partner first experienced abuse between the ages of 11 to 24.
Dating abuse can include:
- Name-calling, insults or put-downs in public or in private
- Making one partner feel guilty about his or her normal behaviors
- Isolation from friends and family
- Being distant or violent, then being warm and loving
- Being blamed for mistakes made by the abuser
- Threatening behavior, including via text
- Tampering with a person's email or other social media accounts
- Stalking, harassing or monitoring
- Use of force during an argument
- Breaking or striking objects intended to terrorize the victim into submission
- Cruelty to animals or children
Trying to find the right words to speak to your child about dating violence? Try these conversation starters:
- What does dating mean to you?
- What are some things you like about your friends and the ways they treat you?
- When you stand up for yourself, how does it make you feel? Do you think you are being strong, bossy or pushy? Why?
- What should you do if someone you're dating threatens you? What if someone you are dating tells you to keep quiet and not tell anyone, even though you know it is wrong?
- Choose one couple you know of who you think has a good relationship and one couple who you think has an unhealthy relationship. Why did you pick these couples?
How can you help your child?
- Listen and give support
- Accept what your child is telling you
- Show concern
- Talk about the behaviors, not the person
- Avoid ultimatums
- Be prepared
- Decide on next steps together
Partners should:
- Respect each other's individuality
- Have an equal say in the relationship
- Respect each other's boundaries
- Feel safe being open and honest
- Be able to share feelings without negative consequences
- Have emotional and physical safety in a relationship
Need additional help? Try:
- The Nebraska Family Hotline, (888) 866-8660
- The Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, http://www.nebraskacoalition.org/
- Linea de Crisis en Nebraska (Spanish language speakers), (866) 215-0167
- StrongHearts Native Helpline, 844-7NATIVE ((844) 762-8483)
- National Domestic Violence Hotline's Dating Abuse Helpline – text loveis to 22522 or call (866) 331-9474/
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network) 24-hour toll-free hotline: (800) 656-4673
- National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline, (866) 331-9474
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233