NEW FOR 2024
STUDENTS SPEAKING OUT
1 IN 3 TEENS
IN THE U.S. IS A VICTIM OF PHYSICAL, SEXUAL, EMOTIONAL, OR VERBAL ABUSE FROM A DATING PARTNER.
*Far exceeds rates of other types of youth violence.
1 IN 10
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS HAS BEEN PURPOSEFULLY HIT, SLAPPED, OR PHYSICALLY HURT BY A BOYFRIEND OR GIRLFRIEND.
OVER
YOUNG WOMEN AGES 16 TO 24 EXPERIENCE THE HIGHEST RATE OF INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE ALMOST 3X THE NATIONAL AVERAGE
COLLEGE DATING VIOLENCE STATISTICS
NEARLY HALF OF DATING COLLEGE WOMEN REPORT EXPERIENCING VIOLENT AND ABUSIVE DATING BEHAVIORS.
OF COLLEGE STUDENTS SAY IT IS DIFICULT TO IDENTIFY DATING ABUSE. WHILE 58% SAY THEY DON’T KNOW HOW TO HELP SOMEONE EXPERIENCING DATING VIOLENCE.
COLLEGE WOMEN HAVE BEEN SEXUALLY ABUSED IN A DATING RELATIONSHIP.
SPEAK OUT
GET HELP
If you think you’re in an abusive relationship, get help immediately!
Talk to someone you trust like a parent, coach, counselor, coworker, nurse, school principal, teacher, trusted family member like an older sibling or cousin.
If you choose to tell, you should know that some adults are mandated reporters. This means they are legally required to report neglect or abuse to someone else, such as the police. You can ask people if they are mandated reporters and then decide what you want to do. Some examples of mandated reporters are teachers, counselors, doctors, social workers and in some cases coaches.
If you need help in deciding whom to talk to, call a crisis line in your area and speak to a professional.
SPEAK LOVE
TAKE PRECAUTIONS
Go out in a group or with other couples.
Have money available for transportation if you need to take a bus or taxi to escape.
Keep a cell phone or calling cards handy for immediate communication.
Memorize important phone numbers, such as the people to contact or places to go in an emergency.
In an emergency, call 911!
EFFECTS OF ABUSE
VIOLENT RELATIONSHIPS CAN HAVE SERIOUS RAMIFICATIONS BY PUTTING THE VICTIMS AT HIGHER RISK FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE, EATING DISORDERS, RISKY SEXUAL BEHAVIOR AND FURTHER DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.
BEING PHYSICALLY OR SEXUALLY ABUSED MAKES TEEN GIRLS SIX TIMES MORE LIKELY TO BECOME PREGNANT AND TWICE AS LIKELY TO GET AN STD.
HALF OF YOUTH WHO HAVE BEEN VICTIMS OF BOTH DATING VIOLENCE AND RAPE ATTEMPT SUICIDE, COMPARED TO 12.5% OF NON-ABUSED GIRLS AND 5.4% OF NON-ABUSED BOYS.
STUDENT RESOURCES
TEEN POWER &
CONTROL WHEEL
LOVE YOURSELF
WORKSHEETS
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
I enjoyed that the Speak Love Conference focused on every aspect of domestic violence because many believe that it's just physical abuse. Hearing everyone's stories really inspired me to always check in on my friends and continue to be a light for other!
Haley Blount
17 years old, 11th Grade, Campbell High School
I had the pleasure of attending the Future is Bright Educational Series, Pre-Prom Party event. I was grateful to be in the presence of powerful women and to hear their stories. The most important thing I got from the event was learning to assess and combat dating violence. I hope to empower others and to always speak love.
Justus Josiah Acoba
17 years old, 12th Grade, Farrington High School
I liked how informative the WSO event was, which made me realize how common dating violence actually is. I believe the topic of dating violence is as important as any other controversial issue that is happening in the world right now. After the event, I was inspired to add a new segment to my school club Mana'o Holomua at Kamehameha Schools. We now plan to focus on various mental health topics including dating violence and ways to bring awareness.
Shaley Yoshizu
17 years old, 11th Grade, Kamehameha Schools
I loved how the Speak Love Conference gave definitions on different types of abuse and explained how witnessing an abusive relationship at a young age can affect one's life. The speaker's personal stories and experiences taught me not to tolerate abuse and to take action if I find myself in an abusive relationship.
Suzy Okimoto
17 years old, 11th Grade, Kapolei High School