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CITY, ND – (NewsDakota.com) One in 10 high school students has been purposefully hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend. Most teens do not experience physical aggression when they date. However, for some abuse is a real part of dating relationships.

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)’s definition of dating violence is: “Violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim and where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors: the length of the relationship; the type of relationship; and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.”

Kasey Skalicky, Director of APOC in Valley City says “Dating violence can have a negative effect on health throughout life.”

Many teens do not report dating abuse because they are afraid to tell friends and family. However, there are still things parents can do to prevent teen dating violence and abuse. One of the most important things you can do is keep the lines of communication open with your teens.

Take steps to make a difference: be a role model – treat your kids and others with respect; start talking to your kids about healthy relationships early – before they start dating; get involved with efforts to prevent dating violence at your teen’s school; or call the National Dating Abuse Helpline at 1-866-331-9474 or APOC at 701-845-0072, if you are worried about your teen.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, youth who are victims are more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety, engage in unhealthy behaviors, like using tobacco, drugs and alcohol or exhibit antisocial behaviors and think about suicide. Youth who are victims of dating violence in high school are at higher risk for victimization during college.  For more information, visit www.apocnd.org