At Positively Impacting Communities (PIC), we believe that by shining a light into the dark, Christ’s love can overcome it, and others will be able to avoid or leave these harmful relationships.
It’s an important topic to learn about as studies show that:
48% of women and men have experienced verbal or emotional abuse from a dating partner.
Behaviors such as name-calling, insults, controlling, yelling, shouting or threatening.
1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced physical violence from a dating partner.
Being slapped, shoved, hit, kicked, slammed against something hard, beaten, etc.
Abusive relationships start early, of those that have been abused, 69% of women 53% of men first experienced the abuse between ages of 11 – 24.
The damage from these relationships goes beyond hurtful, mean, or controlling statements and physical or sexual abuse. The victim also suffers many short and long-term effects such as:
Anxiety or fear
Feeling powerless or defeated
Shame or guilt
Depression
Sleep disturbances
Low self-esteem or worth
Alcohol or drug use
Suicidal ideation, thoughts or attempts
By becoming aware of the warning signs, teens can avoid or turn away from harmful relationships. And by learning how these relationships start subtly and grow, adults can gain a better understanding of what the teen or young adult may be experiencing.
Through talking about harmful relationships, hope, healing and healthy relationships are possible.
We hope you’ll join us this month as we share information and how to help.
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