Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month Published Feb. 14, 2013 By Janice Jones 27th Special Operations Medical Operations Squadron CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Our youth will incur many obstacles, decisions and emotions as they travel through their teenage years. These include but are not limited to: making friends, increased responsibilities, discovering where they fit in at home and in school, dating, starting employment for the first time, peer pressure and vast uncertainty about what the future holds. One decision a teenager should never make is accepting or engaging in violence while dating. Dating violence among teens is growing rampant throughout the country and invading our schools. According to New Choices, INC., teen dating violence is defined as a pattern of actual or threatened acts of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, perpetrated by an adolescent - between the ages of 13 and 18 - against a current or former dating partner. The definition and alarming statistics of teen dating violence are not common knowledge among teens, parents and local communities. Dating violence can often be disguised and misperceived by teens who do not know the warning signs and indicators of dating abuse. For example, teens who do not know the definition of dating abuse might view acts of extreme control and jealousy as a sign of love and that their partner "really cares about them." Dating violence has many characteristics which can be placed into the categories of physical, emotional or verbal and sexual abuse. The following are a few examples in each category: Physical - hitting, slapping, squeezing, pulling hair, burning and twisting one's arm. Emotional or Verbal - name-calling, accusations of frequently cheating, threats to harm or kill if one doesn't listen or tries to leave the relationship, put downs or ridicule in front of friends and family, social sabotage, blaming one for all problems in the relationship, jealousy, controlling behaviors, frequent phone calls and texts, controls where one works, enforces isolation and stalking behaviors. Sexual - forcing one to engage in sexual activities against their will and refusing to let one use birth control in hopes they will become pregnant. Teen dating violence is a problem which needs to be addressed by parents, teachers, teens and our communities. Providing education and awareness of teen dating violence to our youth is essential as they enter the dating realm. Knowledge is a powerful tool and if our teenagers are well educated on healthy relationships, they are more likely to expect respect from their dating partner. It is essential to equip our teenagers with the right tools to communicate effectively, stand up for one's values and provide support if they are ever engaged in an abusive relationship. The Family Advocacy Program at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., is actively providing awareness to the local community and base on the definition, dangers and warning signs of teen dating violence. A new teen support group, Youth Education Support and Success, has been developed and is available at the Cannon Youth Center. Any military dependent age 13 through 18 is welcome to attend. Take the first step in preventing teen dating violence by contacting the Family Advocacy Program at 575-784-2474 to discover what services we offer for your teen and your family. New Choices, INC., is a non-profit dedicated to the unique needs of victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse. To learn more about this program, click here to visit their website.