To wrap up our social media education for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, we wanted to share these resources with everyone in our community. Teen dating violence affects more teens than we realize, and it can take many forms—verbal, physical, and more. This month, we urge adults in our community to talk to young people in their lives about healthy relationships and what is and isn’t acceptable. We also urge teens to learn for themselves. One great resource is loveisrespect.org, with information about dating, healthy relationships, safety, and more.
All relationships exist on a spectrum from healthy to abusive, with unhealthy somewhere in the middle. Healthy relationships are based on equality & respect, where partners make decisions together and can openly discuss whatever you’re dealing with. You enjoy spending time together but can be happy apart. They are marked by respect, good communication, trust, honesty, and equality.
Unhealthy relationships are based on attempts to control the other person. One person tries to make most of the decisions. He or she may pressure their partner about physical contact or refuse to see how their actions can hurt. In an unhealthy relationship, you feel like you should only spend time with your partner. They are marked by breaks in communication, pressure, dishonesty, struggles for control, and inconsiderate behavior.
Abusive relationships are based on an imbalance of power & control. One person is making all the decisions— about friend groups, boundaries, even what’s true and what’s not. You spend all of your time together and feel like you can’t talk to other people, especially about what’s really happening in your relationship. They are marked by accusations, blame shifting, isolation pressure, and manipulation.
Statistics highlight the need for action: 1 in 10 high school students have experienced physical violence from a dating partner in the past year, and 1 in 3 homicides of girls aged 11-18 are committed by an intimate partner.
Please take the time to learn more for yourself, talk to the young people in your life, and support those who may need help. If you or someone you know is in an unhealthy or abusive relationship, or if you simply want to learn more, the resources below are available to help.
- Rawlins Police Department Victim Advocates: If you need immediate assistance or for an emergency, reach out to the PD. Call 307-328-4530 or text/call 911 in an emergency.
- Crisis Counseling: Call or text 988 to speak with a crisis counselor. You can also chat online at www.988lifeline.org.
- Love Is Respect: Text LOVEIS to 22522 or call 866-331-9474 to connect with teen relationship advocates. You can also chat online at www.loveisrespect.org/
You are not alone; we are here to help.
For more information, please contact Mira Miller, City of Rawlins Community Relations/PIO at 307-328-4500 ext. 1022. Interested in receiving news from the City? Sign up for news via email or text at www.rawlinswy.gov/notifyme under “City of Rawlins News.”
