As we gear up for back-to-school season, we want to affirm La Casa’s commitment to addressing teen dating violence (TDV). La Casa de las Madres stands alongside teenagers in advocating for healthy relationships as we welcome back our Teen Program in full force at our local partnering SFUSD, charter, and private schools.
The start of a new school year can evoke a whirlwind of emotions and stress. According to recent data from the CDC, a staggering 1 in 12 U.S. high school students reported experiencing physical and/or sexual dating violence in the previous school year. Furthermore, the Trevor Project reports that “11% of LGBTQ youth who reported dating someone in the past year experienced physical dating violence.” These numbers underscore the urgency of addressing this pervasive issue, considering most cases of Teen Dating Violence go unreported. According to Teen Dating Violence Inc, “only 33% of teens who were in an abusive relationship ever told anyone about the abuse”.
The power and control wheel helps to identify the many types of abuse tactics used in teen relationships.
Teen dating violence can manifest in various forms, including (but not limited to) physical, emotional, verbal, digital, and academic. Becoming familiar with the signs of TDV is imperative to support those who may be experiencing abuse. Signs such as excessive jealousy, controlling behavior, threats of violence, and monitoring whereabouts are indicators that should not be overlooked. It is essential to empower teenagers with knowledge and resources so that they may identify and address unhealthy relationship dynamics.
La Casa’s Teen Program offers educational and support services for youth experiencing intimate partner violence and/or violence at home. At our partnering SFUSD, charter, and private schools, we provide ‘TDV/Healthy Relationships’ presentations and informational tablings’. Additionally, we are offering support groups and 1:1 peer counseling starting August 2024. Peer counseling with our Teen Advocate can occur either at school or at our Drop-in-Center location in SOMA, San Francisco. We are committed to fostering environments of safety and respect for all - especially for teens with marginalized identities, not exclusive to sexuality and gender expression.
Remember, you are not alone. Your teens are not alone. If you suspect abuse or need support, don't hesitate to reach out to La Casa’s Teen Crisis Line for assistance and resources. Together, we can cultivate environments where healthy relationships thrive and violence has no place. Follow along on our Instagram as we explore healthy relationships, safety planning, and back-to-school tips for navigating teen dating violence in school settings.
Teen Crisis Line: 877 - 923 - 0700
Teen Advocate Voicemail Box: 415 - 503 - 0500 x 319