TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AND ITS CONSEQUENCES

Teen dating violence is defined as the physical, sexual, mental/ psychological, or emotional violence within a dating relationship, which also includes stalking.
Dating violence is widespread with serious long-term and short-term effects. Many teens do not report it because they are afraid to tell friends and family.
Teens are experiencing their first romantic relationships, so it could be that aggressive relationships are skewing their view of what's normal and healthy and putting them on a trajectory for future victimization.

Healthy relationship behaviors can have a positive effect on a teen’s emotional development. Unhealthy, abusive, or violent relationships can have severe consequences and short- and long-term negative effects on a developing teen. The consequences of teen dating violence can be categorized into physical dangers, emotional or psychological (mental) dangers. Youth who experiences dating violence are more likely to experience the following:

1. BAD ATTITUDES IN SCHOOL
Researchers say that victims of teen dating violence are mostly poor when it comes to academic performances.As a result of violence, teen survivors often experience higher rates of truancy, which can impact their future economic security.

2. PREGNANCY OR CONTRACTION OF STDs
In addition to the effects on academic achievement, teen girls who experience dating violence are more likely to become pregnant, than teens who did not experience abuse.It can also lead to the contraction of Sexually transmitted diseases like HIV/AIDS, herps and others.

3. LACK OF SELF- ESTEEM
Many victims of Teen Dating Violence( TDV)  develop negative self- concepts for their own lives. Others also find it difficult when developing a personal value system and establishing their adult identity. In this case, it becomes difficult for such people to become positive members of the society.
4. SUICIDAL THOUGHTS
This can never be left out when considering the consequences of Teen Dating Violence. Many victims attempt to commit suicides while others report feelings of hopelessness and sadness
In young adulthood, females who had experienced teen dating violence reported increased depression symptoms and were more likely to binge drink or smoke and twice as likely to have suicidal thoughts. Males who had experienced teen dating violence reported more anti-social behaviors, were more likely to use marijuana and twice as likely to have suicidal thoughts
5. ENGAGING IN ANTI- SOCIAL BEHAVIORS
This is one major cause why Teen dating violence must be addressed promptly. Many abusers engage in binge drinking, smoking, using drugs, or engaging in unhealthy diet behaviors, including taking diet pills or laxatives and vomiting to lose weight.
Abusers involved in teen dating violence create a pattern of behavior for themselves, which puts them at risk for ruining future relationships.

6. PHYSICAL DANGERS
Another consequences of teen dating violence under this category includes; cuts, bruises, broken bones and other physical attacks.


Dating violence can be prevented when teens, families, organizations, and communities work together to implement effective prevention strategies.
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By: Oppong Ebenezer
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