• 647 Locust Street, Coshocton, Ohio 43812
Services

First Step Family Violence Intervention Services, Inc.

Welcome to First Step Family Violence Intervention Services, Inc. , a United Way Agency. First Step helps families who are dealing with violence and offers many services to help out. Our Office is located at 647 Locust Street, Coshocton, Ohio 43812. We hope that you take advantage of the wealth of resources throughout our site.

Teen Dating Violence

Teen Dating Violence

Teen dating violence is a serious issue affecting many young people today, involving physical, emotional, and sexual harm. Are you aware of the warning signs? Recognizing jealousy, possessiveness, and threats is crucial for your safety. Did you know that 22% of high school students report experiencing dating violence? If you or someone you know needs help, it’s vital to seek support. Learn how to protect yourself and what to do when a relationship ends. Your safety matters—discover more now!

Mission Statement

To promote safety to victims of violence through education, counseling, advocacy and shelter when needed to any person suffering the effects of domestic violence and/or sexual assault. To promote non-violent behavior by educating the perpetrators of violence.

What Is Teen Dating Violence?

Teen dating violence is the act or threat of violence by one member of an unmarried couple on the other member within a dating relationship.  This includes any form of sexual, physical, and/or verbal or emotional abuse.

Warning Signs of Abuse

Are you going out with someone who….

  • Is jealous or possessive toward you, checks up on you, and belittles you in front of family and friends?
  • Won’t accept that you are breaking up with him/her?
  • Tries to control you, doesn’t like you being with friends, makes all the decisions, and doesn’t take your opinions seriously?
  • Scares you or threatens you?
  • Is violent, has a history of fighting or losing his/her temper, and brags about mistreating others?  Destroys or damages your personal property?
  • Forces you to have sex, or is aggressive during sex?
  • Becomes too serious about the relationship too quickly?
  • Uses drugs or alcohol and tries to get you to take them, too?
  • Has a history of bad relationships, or blames you when he or she mistreats you?
  • Hits, chokes, punches, kicks, slaps, pulls your hair or physically hurts you?
  • Your family and friends have told you they were worried for your safety?

Did You Know….

  • 22% of High School students report nonsexual dating violence.
  • More than 70% of pregnant teens or female teen parents are beaten by their boyfriends.
  • Nearly one in five teenage girls who have been in a relationship report a boyfriend had threatened violence toward her or threatened to injure himself over a breakup.
  • Nationally, 9.2% of High School students report having been hit, slapped, or physically hurt on purpose by their boyfriend or girlfriend.
  • Most teenage victims of dating violence report that their offender was close in age to their own.
  • 16% of Ohio High School females report having been physically forced to have sexual intercourse when they did not want to.

What To Do When The Relationship Ends…

  • Talk with your parents and friends about what you are going through so they can support and look out for you.
  • Keep spare change or a cell phone handy. In case of emergency, call 911 or your local police department.
  • Talk to school counselors. They can help change your class schedule, if necessary.
  • Avoid being alone at school and walking home alone.
  • Set up a buddy system for when you go places.

Information provided by:

Office of Criminal Justice Services

1970 W. Broad St.

Columbus, OH  43223

1-888-448-4842

Table of Contents