OP-ED
The following article is part two of a four-week series focusing on raising awareness about dating violence. February is Dating Violence Awareness month, and we hope to educate our community on this very important issue. 1 in 3 young people will experience dating violence in their lifetime. Locally, the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center has been serving victims of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and child abuse since 1978. Last year, HCWC served 2,277 victims of abuse (face-to-face) primarily from Hays and Caldwell Counties.
Technology can be a great way to stay connected to the world and those around us. When it comes to technology and our relationships, there is a line between connection and control.
While people of all ages can experience relationship abuse, teens and young adults can be especially vulnerable to relationship abuse as they enter new relationships for the first time and learn what makes relationships healthy and unhealthy.
1 in 4 teens and young adults experiences harassment through technology, including digital abuse in their relationships. Digital abuse is using technology like cell phones and social media to mistreat, control, stalk, or intimidate another person. Being able to recognize red flags for digital abuse can help teens and young adults understand the line between caring and control.
Red Flags for Digital Abuse Include: - Pressuring a partner to share their passwords and passcodes - Going through a partner’s phone or computer without their permission - Pushing a partner to delete a post or picture on social media, or asking them to not post in the future - Pressuring someone for constant contact through texts, DMs, video calls, or phones calls - Insisting a partner shares their location through apps or devices Red flags don’t always lead to abuse, but they are a sign that something can be changed or improved, or that the relationship could become more unhealthy or abusive over time. No one deserves to be mistreated, online, or off.
We are committed to providing free, safe, and confidential services to victims of dating violence. If you are experiencing dating violence, please call our HELPLine 24/7 at 512396-4357. For additional information, visit our educational website: www.stopthehurt.org. HCWC’s Prevention Educators are available to give presentations and education about dating violence.
