02/20/2026
This is absolutely true! As parents we can feel desperate to save our child from trauma but using shame, aggressive language, controlling behavior, etc., only pushes them away. Learning to listen, finding better ways to communicate with your teen, leaving room for dialogue, creating a safe space where they wont be punished so they can open up, are far better methods to employ. It is valid to be desperate, to feel out of control, anger, sadness, scared, all of the things we feel are always valid, it is however, our responsibility to feel the emotions and choose how we respond. Our actions made in the midst of intense feelings are crucial so we aren't reacting without considering their consequences. Shame never works, it only makes people retreat inward and does extensive damage. Make your home and relationships shame free so you can actually help your teen instead of pushing them away. - Kimberly Sprintz, Director and Founder of Women Empowering Women Support Groups
*xualassaultprevention
TEENS TALK 💬
As teens begin exploring dating, romance, and s*x, a troubling number experience abuse. In the United States, up to 19% of teens experience physical or s*xual dating violence, about half face stalking or harassment, and as many as 65% report psychological abuse.
Dating violence often happens when young people are still learning how to manage conflict, handle jealousy, and cope with rejection. Social media can make this even harder—many teen interactions now happen in public online spaces, increasing feelings of shame, pressure, and fear of judgment.
We asked teens across the country what they want adults in their lives to understand about dating abuse.
Here’s what they had to say…
