Quick Answers...
How can I talk to my teen about dating
violence?
First of all, be sure to talk to your kids about violence
and abusive relationships when they are young and continue
to talk about it throughout their teen years. Let them know
that no form of violence is acceptable behavior; they should
not hurt others, and others should not hurt them. Suggest
ways of dealing with a violent situation if it occurs.
Second, demonstrating appropriate non-violent ways of acting
and positive ways of handling conflict in your relationships
is one of the most effective ways to teach your kids to
avoid violence. In other words, simply show your kids by
example how to behave appropriately. Treating yourself and
your partner with respect will teach your kids to do the
same in their dating relationships. How you handle conflict
with your child will also teach her or him how to behave and
how they should be treated.
Third, role playing can be a fun, and it is an effective way
of teaching kids and teens appropriate ways of removing
themselves from the immediate situation of violence and
seeking help. In this case, role playing is simply setting
up a pretend situation when dating violence may occur. Each
person acts out the role, pretending to be in that
situation. Many different solutions can come up during role
playing. It's a great way to teach kids and teens what might
work and what might not. Do not actually engage in violence
during the role play.
Here are some suggestions for role playing. Role playing is
most successful when you each take on different roles with
each situation.
- A dating partner becomes jealous and tries to control what the other does, where they go or whom they talk to.
- On a date, the girl is in her partner's car in a deserted area, and he tries to force her to have sex.
- One person has just been slapped, pinched, or punched by the dating partner at school.
- A dating partner calls the other names and threatens him/her.
- One friend tells another their dating partner abuses them.
For more information see Dating Violence and Your Teen.
Diane G. Kuschel, Former Extension Associate, College of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Missouri Extension
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Last update: Wednesday, October 26, 2005
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