For Parents

Do parents know when their teens are experiencing dating abuse?

71% of parents say they were unaware their teen was afraid of not responding to a phone call, text or IM message or email for fear of what their partner might do.¹
75% of parents were unaware that their teen had been physically hurt or bruised by a partner. ²
69% of parents were unaware that their teen was pressured by a partner to engage in sexual activity.³

More than half of all parents admit they have never spoken to their child about dating abuse.⁴ Just like you talk to your teens about drugs, alcohol or sex, you should talk to them about dating abuse.

What are some signs I might notice if my child is experiencing dating abuse?

She has major mood changes .
She changes in eating or sleeping habits.
She makes excuses for her boyfriend's inappropriate behavior.
She loses interest in previously enjoyable activities.
She stops seeing friends and family members and becomes more and more isolated.
He acts extremely jealous if someone pays too much attention to her.
He tells her that you (the parent) don't like him.
He gets into a fight with your daughter and sends you (the parent) flowers or candy.
He constantly calls, texts or IMs her, and demands she check in with him all the time.
When your daughter and her boyfriend are together, he calls her names and puts her down in front of other people.
She casually mentions his violent behavior, but laughs it off as a joke.
You see him violently lose his temper, striking or breaking objects.
She has unexplained injuries, or the explanations she offers don’t make sense.

How can I help protect my child from dating abuse?

Speak to your child today.
Teach by example--be a role model for your child.
Let your child know s/he can come and talk to you about anything, even abuse.
Make sure your child's school covers the topics of dating abuse in health class.
Be vigilant--watch for changes in your child's behavior that might suggest a problem.
Ask questions and be involved in your child's dating life.
Liz Claiborne provides a really great parents' guide for talking to teens about dating abuse.

For more information about JWI's programs and projects, email Rella at rkaplowitz@jwi.org

^{^1-3 Liz Claiborne Inc. & Teen Research Unlimited. (2007). Technology & Teen Dating Abuse Survey. www.loveisnotabuse.com.
⁴From a survey commissioned by the Empower Program, sponsored by Liz Claiborne Inc. and conducted by Knowledge Networks, Social Control, Verbal Abuse, and Violence Among Teenagers, December 2000. www.loveisnotabuse.com}