• Healthy Relationships & Teen Dating Violence

    Unhealthy relationships can start early in relationships. Behaviors like teasing and name-calling are not normal and can become abusive and develop into more serious forms of violence. 

    Teen Dating Violence is defined as:

    • the physical,
    • sexual,
    • psychological or
    • emotional aggression within a dating relationship including stalking.

    It can occur in person or electronically and might occur between a current or former dating partner. 

     

  • Get HelpNational Teen Dating Abuse Helpline:  1-866-331-9474.

    Texas Department of Family and Protective Services 24/7 Family Violence Hotline: 1-800-252-5400

    Police: 911 in case of an emergency

  • Get Additional Help
  • Plano ISD Anonymous Tip Line

  • Warning Signs of an Abusive Partner

    • Checking phone, email, or social media
    • accounts without permission.
    • Excessive put-downs, especially in front of others.
    • Isolation from friends or family.
    • Extreme jealousy or insecurity.
    • Explosive outbursts, temper, or mood swings.
    • Any form of physical harm.
    • Possessiveness or controlling behavior.
    • Pressuring or forcing you to have sex.

     

    Girl upset

  • Clenched fist

    Effects of Dating Violence

    • Symptoms of depression and anxiety
    • Engage in unhealthy behaviors such
    •  as using drugs, tobacco, or alcohol. 
    • Antisocial Behaviors
    • Suicidal Ideation
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  • Teen Dating Violence Prevention

    • Outline Safe and Healthy Relationship Skills.
    • Teach your child how to communicate with their partner.
    • Discuss how to manage uncomfortable emotions such as jealousy and anger
    • Model how to treat others with respect.
    • Discuss appropriate conflict resolution.

  • Talking About Dating Violence:

    • Acknowledge they are in a difficult and scary situation.
    • Be supportive and listen.
    • Be non-judgmental and respect their decisions. 
    • Help them develop a safety plan.
    • Encourage them to participate in activities with friends and family.
    • Encourage them to talk to people who can offer further help.

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  • Healthy Relationships

    Healthy relationships share vital characteristics such as

    • mutual respect,
    • trust,
    • honesty,
    • compromise,
    • good communication,
    • fighting fair,
    • problem solving, and
    • being understanding.

    Partners that engage in a sexual relationship should never feel pressured or forced to engage in sexual activity that is outside of their comfort or without their consent.  

  • Unhealthy Relationships

    Recognizing the characteristics of an unhealthy relationship is vitally important to preventing violence.

    Signs of an unhealthy relationship include

    • one partner being controlling over the other,
    • dishonesty,
    • hostility,
    • dependence-where one partner tells the other they cannot live without them,
    • ntimidation,
    • any type of violence (physical, emotional, mental, psychological) and
    • sexual violence such as sexual force or sexual pressure.