Teen Dating Violence

Most parts of India view relationships as those that should end up in marriage and view marriage as a union of two families and not two people. Dating is discouraged and also criticized in our culture.

Many teenagers cannot tell their parents about their relationship problems due to the fear of being punished. Due to this, many teens are at risk of being in unhealthy relationships.

Any person can be a victim or perpetrator of abuse regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, and sexual practices. However, girls are more likely to face violence, mainly because girls are taught to adjust and remain silent even if their partner is abusive and dominating from time immemorial. The notion of the ‘good girl’ who bears all the brunt of being abused by her partner and in-laws is not unusual in our society. In fact, it has become the theme of many televised TV serials and has become an accepted norm of Indian culture. Many married or dating women face violence in some form or the other. For teen dating violence prevention, it is important to teach girls to stand up for themselves and ask for help when needed.

Teen dating violence includes physical, psychological, digital, and sexual abuse in an existing or previous relationship. It can be in-person or online. Online forms of violence include messages or videos that make the victim feel uncomfortable, stalking, and cyberbullying.

Dr Duru Shah, the Founder Trustee of the ‘Too Shy To Ask’ initiative, has created a film on Gender Violence apt for the Indian scenario.

Another short film named Sunshine by BBDO New York aims to create awareness about teen dating abuse. The film aims to highlight that not all abuse is physical.

Teen dating violence comes under five broad headings that are indicators or red flags in a relationship. One must stop being in such a relationship when one notices these signs of an abusive relationship. Violence and possessiveness in the name of being protective are not normal but are rather signs of a toxic relationship. Violence can be:

•  Physical Violence
• Mental or Emotional Violence
• Sexual Violence
• Financial Violence
• Digital Violence

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is a 24-hour confidential service for survivors, victims and those affected by domestic violence, intimate partner violence and relationship abuse. Advocates are available at 1-800-799-SAFE and through online chatting at www.TheHotline.org. All calls are free and confidential.

For women in distress:

For legal aid

State-wise women helpline number

Women safety Apps

• My Safetipin
• Shake2Safety
• bSafe
• Eyewatch SOS for Women
• iGoSafely
• Family Locator - GPS Tracker
• Raksha
• Himmat Plus