Technology and Abuse

 

Your cell is a great way to keep in touch with everyone in your circle. However, that cool piece of technology can play a role in teen dating abuse.

 

1 in 3 teens say that they have been harrassed by someone using a technology. Because phone calls, texting and messaging allow you to be in constant communication, cells can be a powerful tool for an abusers to monitor and control their girlfriend's and or boyfriend's every second of the day.

You need to know that if you are feeling threatened or suffocated by your partner’s constant need to keep track of you, it may be a sign that you are in a potentially and dangerous relationship. If the person you are going out with says or does anything that makes you afraid, lowers your self-esteem, constantly tries to manipulate or control you, it is definitely verbal or emotional abuse. It doesn’t matter if they do it in person, online, or over your cell phone, abuse is the same no matter how you perpetrate!!

What can I do?

Glad you asked! If you feel like someone is abusing or controlling you with a cell phone, or you want to make sure it never happens, here are some specific tips that help you watch out for you!

• Remember, it’s always okay to turn off your cell phone. (Just be sure you can be reached in an emergency).

• Do not answer calls from unknown numbers. Your abuser can easily call you from another line if he/she suspects you are avoiding them.

• Just don’t even respond to hostile, harassing, abusive or inappropriate texts or messages. Responding can encourage the perpetrator to keep sending messages. You won’t be able to get the person to stop – and your responses might get you in trouble and make it harder to get a restraining order or file a criminal report.

• Many phone companies can block up to ten numbers from texting or calling you. Contact your cell phone carrier or check their website to see if you can do this on your phone.

• If you have a camera phone, be careful about what images you allow to be taken of yourself.

• If you are in or coming out of a dangerous relationship, you should not be using any form of technology to contact your abuser. It can be extremely dangerous and may be used against you in the future.

• This may sound extreme, but if the abuse and harassment just won’t stop, you probably need to consider changing your phone number altogether!

• Lastly, tell a trusted adult what you’re going through and don’t be afraid to let them help you!