February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Teen dating violence and abuse is a pattern of destructive behaviors used to exert power and control over a dating partner. While dating violence is defined as a pattern, that doesn't mean the first instance of abuse is not dating violence. It just recognizes that dating violence usually involves a series of abusive behaviors over a course of time.

Ten Warning Signs of Abuse

While there are many warning signs of abuse, here are ten of the most common abusive behaviors:

• Checking your cell phone or email without permission
• Constantly putting you down
• Extreme jealousy or insecurity
• Explosive temper
• Isolating you from family or friends
• Making false accusations
• Mood swings
• Physically hurting you in any way
• Possessiveness
• Telling you what to do

For more information, visit the Teen Dating Violence Month website.

New Government Website Aims to Stop Bullying in America

The Government website, StopBullying.gov, is managed by the US Department of Health and Human Services in partnership with the US Department of Education and the US Department of Justice. It was showcased today, March 11, 2011 at the Conference on Bullying Prevention at the White House.

The website is geared towards both parents and children. Resources such as "Recognizing the Warning Signs" and "How Do I Get Help?" are prominently featured on the website. Information regarding cyberbullying, state policies and laws, and violence prevention program directories are also available on the website.

New CDC Website for Youth Violence Statistics

Violent injury and death disproportionately affect adolescents and young adults in the United States. Homicide is the second leading cause of death among youth aged 10-24 years. Violence is also a major cause of nonfatal injuries among youth. However, it is possible to prevent violence and help our youth to live healthier and more fulfilling lives. Monitoring and tracking trends in youth violence across the United States provides critical data to help prevent youth violence.

CDC's new website provides national and state-specific statistics on youth homicide and non-fatal assault-related injury rates. These data can help public health officials, researchers, practitioners and the public to describe and monitor youth violence trends and to develop and evaluate prevention programs and strategies. Together we can create communities in which youth are safe from violence.

To view the new Youth Violence Statistics website, click here.