A 16-year-old girl is head over heels with her new boyfriend. He’s charming and handsome, her ideal guy. But he’s been acting jealous lately when she talks with other friends, and he has even lost his temper multiple times over seemingly small things. He has even started checking her phone and intervening in text conversations with her friends. Since this is her first real relationship, she doesn’t know what is normal or appropriate.  

This young woman is unsure of what is going on with him, and she needs someone to tell her that his behavior is not normal and could be signs of possible dating violence and abuse. While he may not have hurt her yet, he could if things continue. 

The I CARE Program provides prevention education to students in public, parochial, and private schools in the areas of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, violence, crisis response, and management.  They equip students with the tools they need to go on to live healthy, safe, and drug-free lives. They also work with students to help them recognize the signs of dating violence and abuse, helping to protect them from these horrible situations.

If you or your teen is unsure of whether or not you are in an abusive relationship, I CARE provides the following signs to look for:

Warning Signs to Recognize Dating Violence and Abuse

• Extreme jealousy 
• Controlling behavior 
• Quick involvement 
• Unpredictable mood swings 
• Alcohol and drug use 
• Explosive anger 
• Isolates you from friends and family 
• Uses force during an argument 
• Threatens violence 
• Shows hypersensitivity
• Blames others for his/ her problems or feelings

It’s important to reach out to a professional if you see that these signs are present. For more information, call (225) 226-2273 or visit icare.ebrschools.org. I CARE will also be hosting the I CARE Annual Prevention Summit on Saturday, June 2 from 8 a.m. to noon. There will be free workshops for professionals, parents, and educators regarding drug, alcohol, and violence prevention.