Bedford: February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

BEDFORD, MA — A citizen's coalition in Bedford is taking the lead to prevent teen dating violence and raise awareness. The Violence Prevention Coalition of Bedford is promoting February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month.

What is Dating Abuse?

Dating abuse (also known as dating violence, intimate partner violence, or relationship abuse) is a pattern of abusive behaviors used to exert power and control over a dating partner. Every relationship is different, but the things that unhealthy and abusive relationships have in common are issues of power and control. Violent words and actions are tools an abusive partner uses to gain and maintain power and control over their partner. Any young person can experience dating abuse or unhealthy relationship behaviors, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic standing, ethnicity, religion or culture. It does not discriminate and can happen to anyone in any relationship, whether it’s one that is casual or serious.

Warning Signs

Being able to tell the difference between healthy, unhealthy and abusive relationships can be more difficult than you would think. No two relationships are the same, so what is unhealthy in one relationship may be abusive in another. Although there are many signs to pay attention to in a relationship, the coalition advises parents to look for these common warning signs of dating abuse:

 Checking cell phones, emails or social networks without permission
 Extreme jealousy or insecurity
 Constant belittling or put-downs
 Explosive temper
 Isolation from family and friends
 Making false accusations
 Constant mood swings towards you
 Physically inflicting pain or hurt in any way
 Possessiveness
 Telling someone what they can and cannot do
 Repeatedly pressuring someone to have sex

How Do I Get Help?

If you know of a teen or parent that could benefit from speaking to a caring, well-trained peer advocate, please connect them with the National Dating Abuse Helpline, a project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, at 1-866-331-9474 (TTY: 1-866-331-8453), by texting "loveis" to 77054, or through live chat at loveisrespect.org. Feel free to contact Bedford Youth and Family Services with any questions at 781-275-7727.