Each year in this country 1 in 3 teens experience sexual or physical abuse or threats from a boyfriend or girlfriend.
Though many teenagers know someone who has been abused—physically, sexually or verbally— in a relationship, most parents are not aware of the problem of dating violence.
While some high school girls might confide to a friend about a scary or troubling situation, seeking out a caring adult is unlikely.
The majority of abused teenagers never tell anyone.
Physical and/or sexual abuse is experienced by 1 in 5 high school girls.
Almost half of reported date-rape victims are adolescents.
Bad patterns of underreporting, severity of violence and association with other risky behaviors including drug abuse and suicide are increasing, especially among adolescents.
No one should ever feel at risk of physical and sexual abuse, and no one should feel the right to abusive behavior. Survivors should be liberated from shame, and abusers should be called out and held accountable. An unwillingness to speak up allows violation of another person to continue.
If you or someone you know is being abused, seek help today. In an emergency, please dial 911. For all other help, please call: Illinois Statewide Domestic Violence Helpline 877 TO END DV (877-863-6338), 877-863-6339 TTY or call WINGS 24-hour hotline 847-221-5680.