Teen Dating Violence and its Relationship to IPV

Instances of domestic and intimate partner violence occur in all age groups. But teen dating violence has unique impacts on young people. According to Day One, survivors of teen dating violence are three times more likely to miss school due to feeling unsafe and twice as likely to experience bullying in school. These are the signs of DV spilling over into other parts of life and making growing up even harder.

In honor of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month this February, let’s explore a real-life instance of DV in a young couple and how it impacted a survivor’s journey to freedom. In their story, we’ll see the real-world effects of teen dating violence and the strength and bravery survivors summon in themselves to find their way through it.

What is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month?

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month takes place in February every year with the intent of raising awareness and promoting discussion and action in preventing instances of IPV and abusive behavior in young couples.

Teen survivors deal with unique risks at their age that can affect their development, isolate them from their families, and do other harmful things. This month not only offers an opportunity to reach out to younger people who might be going through something. It also can be an education for parents, friends, and neighbors to be vigilant and know when to intervene in unhealthy relationships.

How Teen Dating Violence Trapped a Young Survivor

For the safety of all involved, we’ve removed any identifying details about the individuals in this case.

A recent client of DVP’s came to the United States at just three years old. Despite entering legally, the client hoped to one day secure full citizenship as well. Years later, as a teenager, they entered into a seemingly normal young relationship. However, it grew violent after early warning signs that went undetected by other community members.

The young couple had a child, and from there the violence grew worse. The abuser would regularly lash out at their spouse. Eventually, they got them both arrested when the abuser shoplifted at a local store. With the young survivor now sucked into the criminal justice system, it put their immigration status in jeopardy.

Finding Freedom from Teen Dating Violence

Luckily, this survivor was persistent in finding a way to secure their citizenship. It was this goal that gave them the courage to finally push away from their abuser. They faced obstacles after being falsely accused by the abusive partner of harassment but got the charges dismissed. Following that incident, the survivor found their way to DVP and mapped out the legal pathway to their full citizenship. 

DVP helped the survivor by prepping and navigating questions around their complicated legal past that lingered from their abusive relationship. After years of fear and uncertainty, they and their child were approved and are now full citizens. 

In this unique and uplifting case, the survivor client took enormous strides to overcome the suffocating effects of teen dating violence. Most importantly, they managed to stay connected to the community and find DVP to use those resources to their advantage. It shows how crucial it is for us as providers and advocates to stay connected to young people and vigilantly observe signs of distress. Above all, we hope to ensure no one gets trapped in a similar situation.

Joining DVP in the Fight for Survivor Justice

More than ever, DVP is ready to fight for our clients – no matter what community they’re from or their immigration status. Our organization provides crucial services supported by community members like you, including:

• Legal protections for undocumented survivors of DV and IPV
• Advocacy for necessary services, housing, and support
• Guidance on immigration protocols and procedures to protect survivors from their abusers and secure safety, liberation, and better lives in the US

Click the link below to support, donate, and volunteer with DVP and help bring our mission to life. Plus, sign up for our weekly newsletter for updates on DVP’s crucial work and more ways to get involved.

Learn more about how you can support survivors and their children to live free of violence and abuse.

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