By Madelin Schwager, Carter Jones, Cindy Hoang, Jalyn Wu and Shreya Joshi consent and boundariesConsent means setting boundaries and having mutual respect for each other. Consent is not a compromise nor a permanent status, but rather situational, including factors like coercion, power dynamics, and sobriety. Sexual violence occurs when these boundaries are violated, when respect is forsaken, and when consent is not given. This occurs without respect to age, so for this post, we will be focusing on sexual violence in teenage relationships, also referred to as teenage dating violence (TDV). At first, teens who experience TDV may be in denial that their partner could be abusive. Sexual violence is more than just rape. It includes (but is not limited to) groping, coerced intimacy, stalking, and obsessive behaviors. Recognizing the warning signs of abusive relationships means viewing abuse as complex and deeply personal, rather than a black-and-white situation. Offensive/humiliating messages or images, cyberstalking, and revenge posting are all examples of digital violence. While many of these situations cause immense stress and danger, many teens have no idea how to report digital violence. Although it can be difficult to deal with these digital situations, especially due to the anonymity of social media, there are some steps that can be taken to bring back safety and comfort. First, it is important to reach out to a trusted adult to help discuss and handle the situation. Other actions to take include keeping evidence, blocking account(s), and reporting it to the social media platform. Given the lived realities of millions of teens around the world struggling to navigate dating and relationships, there is a lack of information on everything from preventing violent relationships to recognizing red flags when they occur. Here at Monsoon VPP, we encourage all youth to speak to a trusted adult (such as a teacher, parent, counselor, or coach) or a trusted friend if you ever feel uncomfortable in a relationship. We also encourage all youth to seek professional guidance in these areas, like referring to a therapist or a mental health counselor. However, we also acknowledge that not everyone has access to these resources, so here are some tips to consider when preventing/confronting unhealthy relationships.
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Year ARchive
February 2023
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