Teen dating violence can be hard to recognize but if you find a child or young person in your life caught up in a burdensome relationship involving violence, local professionals have some recommendations.

Jill Maxey is the executive director of Willow Tree Missions in Piatt County. She encourages parents or adults who are confronted by a teen in abusive relationships to believe them. If necessary, she says to take your concerns to a school leader or law enforcement official.

Andrea Kocher with DOVE in Piatt County says teens can hold on to the guilt of being in a teen dating violence relationship and so it is important for them to talk to someone. She emphasizes the individual may feel a great deal of guilt or shame and may fear an emotionally charged response if they up and leave.

According to Kocher, the handling of teen dating violence is similar to that of domestic abuse. She says they want to empower victims.

Domestic violence victims that seek help get the opportunity to put together a safety plan through Willow Tree Missions. Maxey explains for a teen may be working with the teen, their family, and potentially an agency like Willow Tree, DOVE, or even law enforcement, to work on what is shared online and who gets to see that information. 

Kocher says anyone can become a victim of domestic violence but there is a lot of evidence to suggest young people that are victims of teen dating violence are likely to become victims of domestic abuse as adults.

Maxey hopes anyone in Piatt County needing assistance will seek that help by visiting their website, willowtreemissions.org, or find them on Facebook. Kocher points anyone interested in services through DOVE to call 217-762-2122. Their 24/7 number is 217-762-2123.

For parents interested in just general information on teen dating violence visit loveisrespect.org.