Adults are not the one only people who find themselves in abusive relationships. It can happen to teens too! February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly one out of every 11 girls, and about one in every 15 high school students reported having experienced physical dating violence in the last year. Teens can also suffer from psychological, sexual or verbal abuse. Dating violence is not always obvious. What are some of the warning signs to look for?

• Controlling behavior, such as telling their partner where they can go, what they can wear, and who they can spend time with;
• Abuse that is not physical, such as emotional or verbal abuse, including name calling, playing mind games, “teasing;”
• Abuse through technology, including bullying or stalking, monitoring their partner’s internet and cell phone activity, relentless texting or calls.

If you are worried about someone going through this type of situation, there are many excellent resources.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE.

In Kentucky, teens now may file for an Interpersonal Protective Order (IPO) against an abusive dating partner. If the teen is under 18, then a parent or legal guardian would need to file no the teens’ behalf.

For the IPO, dating violence and abuse means physical injury, serious physical injury, stalking, sexual assault, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical injury, serious physical injury, sexual abuse or assault occurring between persons who are or have been in dating relationships.

Dating relationship means a relationship between individuals who have or have had a relationship of a romantic or intimate nature. It does not include casual acquaintanceships or ordinary fraternizations in business or social contexts. The judge will examine various factors to determine if the relationship is a dating relationship. See KRS 456.010.

For more information about this process, please contact Clark, Cornett and Smith or call (859) 219-1280.