To better understand
In teen dating, violence may take various forms:
- Insults
- Jealousy
- Controlling the other and who they can see
- Manipulation
- Blackmail and threats
- Punching
- Non-consensual sexual contact
- Etc.
These experiences of violence may occur in a face-to-face relationship or in a virtual relationship (cyberviolence). All young people can become victims of intimate partner violence regardless their sex, gender, sexual orientation and culture.
Whatever form violence takes in an intimate relationship, physical, psychological, verbal, or sexual, it scars the victim and can lead to a multitude of consequences on their mental, physical and sexual health, such as a more negative self-perception, psychological distress, anxiety or substance abuse.
Several possible actions can contribute to reducing the incidence of intimate partner violence. As parents, you therefore play a crucial role in preventing and countering incidences of violence in young people’s intimate relationships.
Violence and teens in the Montérégie region
- 37 % of young people who have had an intimate relationship have experienced violent behaviours perpetrated by their partners;
- 19 % of young people who have had an intimate relationship have acted violently towards their partners;
- Psychological violence is the most common form of violence suffered and inflicted in romantic relationships involving young people.
Be there for my teen
If you are a victim of domestic violence, do not hesitate to ask for help to get out of this situation.
Consult SOS violence conjugale.
Tips and tricks
- Use videos or newspaper articles to facilitate discussing this issue with your teen.
- Be a positive model for your teen by making sure your relationships, with your partner and the other members of your family, are healthy, harmonious and inclusive.
In short
Many young people experience violence in their intimate relationships. This can be a difficult topic to discuss, but it’s crucial that you talk about it with your teen. It’s also of utmost importance that you guide them in developing healthy and inclusive relationships and that you actively engage them in preventing violence. Absolutely no form of violence can be tolerated! Don’t hesitate to ask for guidance from school staff, community organizations or health professionals.
Practical resources and tools
1. If you need support :
Are you dealing with a situation that worries you? Ask for help:
2. For more information :
- Ado 101 : guide pour les parents et l’entourage (French only)
- My teenager is experiencing dating violence – Tel-Jeunes Parents
- Fiche PDF – Flash PAJ #1 – La violence subie dans les relations amoureuses chez les jeunes. (French only)
- Site de l’AQPV – Cyberviolence in teen intimate relationships
- Fiche PDF Projet Mosaïk – La violence dans les relations amoureuses à l’adolescence. (French only)
If your safety or your teen’s safety is being threatened, call 9-1-1 or contact your municipal police department.
The police department can help you in cases of violence, bullying, street gang prevention, delinquency and other offences.
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