Involved and supportive parents and caregivers can have strong relationships with their children and the most lasting impact on their values and behaviors. Helping to influence positive changes in the perspective of parents and caregivers can encourage them have open conversations with their children – that is prevention.
Facts & Figures
Teens and young adults are faced with many challenges while learning how to navigate complex relationships. Being aware of these issues can help parents know what to look for to prevent long-term problems.
1 in 3 adolescents in the U.S. is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner, a figure that far exceeds rates of other types of youth violence.
Relationship abuse is not only physical! Among adolescents, abuse can be physical, verbal, sexual, financial, or digital. Stalking also constitutes abuse. Think your teen might be a victim or perpetrator of abuse?
How can we engage parents and caregivers in prevention?
It can be challenging to engage parents and caregivers in prevention, because parenting is a full-time job. In order for prevention strategies to be effective, they must be designed to work with a variety of lifestyles. Some parents and caregivers are able to commit to longer classes or biweekly discussion groups. For others, receiving reminders and talking points via email or text about talking with their kids about healthy relationships is more convenient.
Fortunately, both options are available for local domestic violence programs and parents. PCADV developed Raising Respect, an app for parents and caregivers that provides information on a variety of topics, and offers tips for starting conversations about healthy relationships with their kids.
More Prevention Topics for Parents
Effectively Communicating with Teens
Talking to teens is tough. Get tips on how to start conversations and answer tough questions.
Get Conversation PointersIdentifying Healthy Teen Dating Relationships
More importantly, be able to identify abusive behavior in your teen’s relationships.
Learn the SignsThe Connection Between Dating Violence and Pregnancy
A manipulative and controlling relationship can drastically increase the likelihood of teen pregnancy.
What You Should KnowThe Impact of Social Media on Teen Relationships
Social media can help us connect with others, while ushering in greater complications around safety and control.
How to Set BoundariesMindful Parenting
Parent / teen relationships thrive when a parent can evaluate how their own behavior directly impacts their teen.
How You Can Be More AwareSelf-care for Teens
Preventing abusive relationships starts with teaching teens how to respect and take care of theirself, strengthening their independence.
Encouraging Teens' Individual SelfThe following evidence-informed and evidence-based programs are designed to strengthen parenting skills:
Parents in the Know
A child sexual abuse prevention program.
ACT Raising Safe Kids Program
This program teaches positive parenting skills to parents and caregivers of children from birth to age 10.
Essentials for Parenting
A free online resource designed to help parents of 2–4-year-olds address common challenges.