Did you know that 1 in 12 high school students experienced sexual dating violence? 

Teen dating violence is sometimes referred as intimate partner violence. 

It is any physical, psychological, or emotional abuse that occurs in a dating relationship with people aged 12-18 years old.

 Physical dating violence is when a person hurts or tries to hurt a partner by using physical force. 

Sexual dating violence refers to many crimes including sexual assault, sexual abuse, intimate partner rape and/or intimate partner rape. Sexual dating violence can occur in all types of intimate relationships. 

>>>There are ways to prevent teenage dating violence, and this includes creating healthy boundaries when starting a new relationship.<<< These include emotional boundaries, intellectual boundaries, physical boundaries, financial boundaries, and sexual boundaries. 

Emotional boundaries are mental boundaries that protect your right to have your own feelings and thoughts. It is important to make a commitment to oneself to put your own identity, needs, feelings, and goals first. 

Intellectual boundaries refer to your thoughts and ideas. Healthy intellectual boundaries include respecting your partner's ideas. It is also important to be aware of appropriate discussions. 

Physical boundaries are understanding your partner's personal space and your physical need. For example, you can create boundaries about when you are touched by your partner and who you are comfortable touching you. 

Financial boundaries are a personal preference on how you would like to control your money. For example, if your girlfriend likes to go on a date every Friday to an expensive restaurant, you may need to have a conversation discussing your boundaries and how much you would like to spend on eating out. 

Sexual boundaries should not be ignored. Discuss with your partner what is off limits and what contact you prefer.

A LOCAL STORY OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE – JUSTINE VANDERSCHOOT 

In 2003, the story of Justine Vanderschoot tragically shook Placer County to its core.  On Labor Day, 17-year-old Justine Vanderschoot disappeared. After weeks of searching, Justine’s boyfriend, Daniel Bezemer, and his friend, Brandon Fernandez, admitted to Justine’s murder.  

When Justine met Daniel Bezemer, the relationship began as many teenage romances do. They spent time together and Daniel Bezemer was even invited over for dinner at her home. It had the hallmarks of any teenage relationship until Daniel turned jealous.  

Daniel Bezemer became controlling. He demanded to know where Justine was and with whom she was spending time. A seemingly innocent and typical relationship had turned into a one defined by jealousy and control. 

Her family will tell you there were signs, but they thought it was just a young teenage boy acting bigger than he truly felt. It seemed harmless until after the fact.  

The message? Talk to your loved ones early and often. Check in with them. Empower them to see the signs and take action.

Read the full story hereJustine Vanderschoot forever remembered . 

LOVEISRESPECT.ORG

Learn about setting boundaries, take dating quizzes and find how to support your friends at loveisrespect.org. 

LOVE SPECTRUM