Center lists signs of teen-dating violence

Ottumwa Crisis Center and Women?s Shelter officials are reminding the community February is teen-dating violence awareness month.

Officials with the center say one out of 10 high school students and 22 percent of college students experienced physical violence in dating relationships, and that many teenagers believe jealously, possessiveness and abuse are ?normal? in intimate relationships. Officials say jealously is often mistaken as a sign of love and confused with concern; concern refers to caring for another person and focusing on their well being and needs and does not involve controlling behaviors.

Officials say a person may be controlling if he or she: checks the phone to see who has called or sent text messages to his or her partner, doesn?t let the partner have his or her own friends; makes the partner break family or friend plans to spend time with him or her; has the partner do his or her homework; is a bully to the partner or others at school, home or work; takes the partner?s paycheck and doesn?t let him or her have any money; and tells the partner what he or she can spend money on.

Officials also say a person may be controlling if his or her partner starts lying to family, friends and co-workers to make him or her happy.

Some warning signs parents and teachers can look for in teens are: mood swings; wearing long sleeves in the summer; hiding bruises with makeup; jumping at noises; isolation; dropping grades; a loss of trust with family members and teachers; depression; weight loss; and drug use.

Officials say a family member, friend or teacher, who suspects a teen is in a violent relationship, should encourage the teen to speak with a school counselor or call the Ottumwa Crisis Center and Women?s Shelter at 641-683-3122 or 800-464-8340.

All calls are confidential and free. Crisis Lines are open 24/7.