Sign Up For Our Careers Newsletter
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month: Resources and Support from Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest (PPPSW)
Content warning: The following blog post talks about teen dating violence. At Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest, we understand that teen dating violence is a serious problem that can have a lasting impact on those it harms. If you or someone you know is experiencing teen dating violence, please know that you are not alone, and there are resources available to help. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233. You can also visit their website at thehotline.org for more information and resources.
Did you know that teen dating violence is more common than you might think? According to recent surveys, about 1 in 3 teens experience some form of abuse from a dating partner. Anyone can be impacted, and abuse may be physical, emotional, verbal or sexual.
This month, as we raise awareness for teen dating violence, PPPSW is here to help teens have access to the resources and information they might need.
Understanding Teen Dating Violence
Teen dating violence (TDV) refers to physical, sexual, psychological, or emotional abuse between two teens in a relationship. Nearly 1 in 11 teens report being a victim of physical or sexual abuse by a dating partner in the U.S.
As a teen, it can be hard to know if your relationship is healthy or abusive. Some warning signs of an unhealthy relationship include:
- Your partner puts you down, calls you names or humiliates you
- Your partner is extremely jealous or possessive
- Your partner checks up on you constantly, texts or calls you repeatedly
- Your partner isolates you from friends and family
- Your partner uses force during arguments, hits or shoves you
- Your partner pressures or forces you into sexual activity
If any of this sounds familiar, you may be in an abusive relationship. Don’t ignore these red flags – talk to someone you trust immediately. Planned Parenthood’s Care Coordination program can also help connect you to local resources.
You deserve to feel safe and happy in your relationships
Together, we at Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest are committed to building healthier communities for future generations by talking about teen dating violence, supporting comprehensive sex ed in our communities and schools, and hiring people who are committed to building a world where sexual and reproductive rights are basic human rights.
If you are interested in working with us to build a world where every person has the opportunity to choose their own path to a healthy and meaningful life, explore our job opportunities.
Working for Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest means not only that you will reap the rewards of working among our culture of like-minded professionals – but also work to create healthier connections for all, no matter what.
Advance in your career. Get involved.
Join us. Make a difference.