Safe Dating

Facts:

• One in five females and one in ten males have been physically or  sexually abused by another person (Silverman et al., 2001).
• One in four adolescents report verbal, physical, emotional, or sexual abuse each year (Foshee et al., 1996; Avery-Leaf et al., 1997).
• Each year, one in 11 adolescents reports being a victim of physical dating abuse (CDC, 2006).
  

Consequences:

• Almost 90% of identified rape victims knew their offender and 57% of rapes happen on dates.
• Dating abuse puts you at risk for unhealthy sexual behaviors that can lead to unintended pregnancy, sexually-transmitted diseases, and HIV infections (Silverman et al., 2001).  It also increases the likelihood of engaging in binge drinking, suicide attempts, and physical fights (CDC, 2006).
• Rates of drug, alcohol, and tobacco use are more than twice as high in girls who report physical or sexual dating abuse than in girls who report no abuse (Plichta, 1996).
• Abusive dating experiences during adolescence may disrupt normal development of self-esteem and body image (Ackard & Neumark-Sztainer, 2002).
• Adolescents in abusive relationships often carry these unhealthy patterns of abuse into future relationships (Smith et al., 2003).
  

Getting Help:

• If you think you have been a victim of rape, tell someone you trust! Rape can be when a person is forced to have sex or perform sexual acts against his or her will. Rape is NEVER okay and it is NEVER your fault.
• Physical abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse cause depression, anxiety, and social isolation.  It is important to get out of an unhealthy relationship. Tell an adult so you can find the courage to leave.
  

Next steps:

• You have the right to say no at any time. Check for respect! It's OK to walk away from a partner who gets too close, touches you in a way you don’t like, ignores your feelings or limits, or who doesn't respect your boundaries.
• Build self-esteem. Attend self-help or self-defense classes. Take control of your life and take care of yourself!