Teen dating violence awareness Published Dec. 2, 2014 By Senior Airman Stephanie Morris Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness month on Minot Air Force Base, N.D. and the staff of the 5th Medical Group Family Advocacy Program have come together to create new educational events to promote awareness. The FAP is set to host a series of get-togethers focusing on dating violence issues that affect teens and their parents. The events will be at the base's Youth Center every Friday during the month of February at 6:30 p.m. FAP will also meet with parents at two separate events sometime in January and February to explain the awareness activities and offer tips on how to start conversations with their children regarding abuse. Some of the main focuses of the events are: identification of red flags indicative of abuse, digital dating abuse such as Facebook stalking and excessive texting and building strong communication between parents and teens. Feb. 27 will conclude with a free meal, prizes and certificates for those who attended the month's events. Signs of abuse can appear differently to teens when compared to their parents. It is important for both to be able to distinguish what possible signs of abuse are, said Sherri McKittrick, 5th MDG Family Advocacy Program member. "Domestic abuse is primarily when one person in the relationship exerts control over the other," McKittrick said. "Teens are at a very passionate time in their lives and they can mistake abuse or controlling behavior for love, but love is not abuse." According to McKittrick, signs that can alert teens that their relationship may be unhealthy include: · Jealousy and accusations of cheating · Insults and name calling · Controlling behavior, such as being told what to wear, whom to speak to and who to associate with · Constant or harassing texts, phone calls or digital messages · Being isolated from friends or family · Pushing, shoving or any other unwanted physical contact In addition to warning signs teens should be on the lookout for, there are also various indicators parents should be mindful of including: · Changes in their child's behavior · Signs of depression · Their teen's significant other constantly trying to contact their child after a break up "Victims of abuse can also become withdrawn and isolated from reality," said Laurel Grams, 5th MDG Family Advocacy Program Outreach Manager. "They tend to focus more on the unhealthy relationship than their family or friends and can also become overly emotional or moody." The Family Advocacy staff also suggests parents do the following when having a conversation about suspected abuse with their teens: · Be mindful of their tone and avoid making accusations · Open the conversation on a light note and remain open-minded and nonjudgmental · Let their child know they are there for them and they care "It is essential for parents to know the facts before speaking with their teen and to be prepared to answer questions," Grams explained. "It's critical for parents to be able to offer constructive guidance and advice to their child." Throughout the month of February, FAP will encourage parents and teens to discuss these topics and try to empower teens to reach out to their parents for support and information. FAP will supply both local and online resources on teen dating violence to parents and also educate parents on ways to ensure their child is not being harassed via cellphone or the internet. "This is the first time an entire month of activities has been planned at Minot to address teen dating violence," Grams said. "This is a great chance for the Family Advocacy Program to engage directly with teenagers to discuss teen dating. Emphasis will be placed on helping teens identify serious issues in their relationships such as harassment and efforts to control through technology and to teach them how to have a relationship that rocks." For more information about the Jan. meeting, the activities in Feb; or to receive information related to teen dating violence, contact the Minot AFB Family Advocacy Program at 701-723-5096.