Healthy relationships are comprised of things like trust, honesty, respect, equality and compromise. Everyone does not see or feel these things in their relationships. According to the youth.gov website, “Teen dating violence is a serious problem in the United States.” The burning question: “Why?”

There are five facts about teen dating violence from the National Institute on Justice. These were learned from a survey about teen relationships.

— Teen dating relationships that involve violence often involve physical violence from both persons in the relationship. In violent relationships with one victim, the abuse is usually about coercion and control.

— Youth exposed to one type of violence are at greater risk of experiencing other types of violence.

— Risk factors associated with becoming a part of teen dating violence include individual beliefs and behaviors; relationships with peers and family; relationships in schools and neighborhoods; and cultural norms and policies. The most attention is on the individual (substance use disorders and mental health/psychological issues) and relationships (childhood neglect and abuse, exposure to family violence; and bullying.)

— Teen dating violence has short- and long-term negative outcomes: negative mental and physical health issues, substance use disorders, and victimization or perpetration.

— Youth, particularly boys, are unlikely to seek help, but dating violence reduction programs can help by making sure teens understand abuse and violence in intimate or dating relationships, and that dating violence is not OK.

Teaching our children about healthy, non-violent relationships begins at home. Children learn about relationships through what they witness at home. They learn how to create healthy relationships which means they need to understand how to manage their feelings and how to communicate. Each teen is unique with their own special needs, perhaps more so the teens who are at greater risk.

Youth need more influence from adults and peers who have good, healthy relationship skills and to be steered away from partner violence. About 1 in 12 U.S. high school students reported experiencing physical dating violence. The same number experienced sexual dating violence. Victims are more likely to struggle with depression or anxiety, to use substances like alcohol, drugs and tobacco. They may lie, steal, bully or hit. They may think about suicide.

There are consequences for teen dating violence, both short- and long-term. The negative experiences in this adverse childhood experience (ACE) can follow them through relationships all through their lives.

Teen dating violence “profoundly impacts lifelong health, opportunity and well-being,” advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Unhealthy relationships can start early and last a lifetime.”

The National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline can be reached at 866-331-9474 (TTY: 866-331-8453). Peer advocates are available 24/7 to talk, text or chat online by texting “loveis” at 22522. The Strong Hearts Native Helpline is at 844-762-8483.

Family Recovery Center has professional staff who are ready to listen when you have no one else to talk to. The goal is for the health and well-being of all. Contact the agency at 964 N. Market St., Lisbon; phone, 330-424-1468; or email info@familyrecovery.org. Visit the website at familyrecovery.org. You can find Family Recovery Center at Facebook. FRC is funded in part by United Way of Northern Columbiana County.