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Intimate partner violence among adolescents is associated with increased risk of substance use, unhealthy weight control
behaviors, sexual risk behaviors, pregnancy, and suicide.
Molidor, Tolman & Kober, (2000); National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, (2001)
Dating violence can have serious consequences for our teens. Teens face challenges that are often not associated with adult domestic
violence. Teens are isolated from their friends and peers which make it difficult to:
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Feel independent
Develop personal values and beliefs
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Focus on grades and school
Develop healthy relationships with peers
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Self harming behaviors (cutting and burning)
Suicide
All of these factors can cause long-term problems such as:
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Depression
Eating disorder
Alcohol and drug abuse
DRUGS: what parents can do
According to Drugfree.org, kids who learn a lot about the risks of drugs and alcohol from their parents are up to 50% less likely to
use than those who do not. It is important for parents to get involved in drug abuse prevention programs in your community. A
parent and child participating together can make a difference.
The following suggestions are provided by the U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention:
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Spend time with your child; take part in his/her activities.
Be a positive role model.
Know your child’s friends and their families.
Promote good study habits.
Teach your child how to cope with peer pressure.
Help your child develop good conflict resolution skills.
Encourage your child to join positive afterschool activities with adult supervision.
Work with neighbors to create a neighborhood alliance.
Always be alert for unusual actions and activities involving your child.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and even search their room should you suspect drug activity.
If your child stays at a friend’s house overnight, verify it with the parents.
SAO Impalant Information for Parents about Drug Trends and Law 2012
prescription and over the counter drug abuse
Prescription and over-the-counter drug abuse is the leading cause of substance-related deaths in Lake County. In 2010, prescription
drugs caused over 40% of the substance abuse deaths in Lake County.
Prescription drug abuse is increasing because the drugs are available in most young people’s homes or in relatives’ homes, and
young people usually get the drugs for “free” by stealing them. Prescription and over-the-counter drugs also seem safer than illegal
drugs because doctors approve their use. However, prescription drugs can be as harmful as illegal drugs when taken improperly.
The signs of prescription and over-the-counter drug abuse vary according to which drugs are being abused, in what way, and in what
combination.
Important Information for Parents About Drug Trends and Laws • Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office 2012
prevention tactics
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Keep track of ALL prescription and over-the-counter drugs, including non-narcotics. If your family rarely uses a certain drug that
is running low, or you run out of a prescription early, find out who used the drugs.
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Limit access to all prescription and over-the-counter drugs at your house and family members’ houses.
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If you have unused prescription drugs in your house, take them to safe disposal sites. Check with your police department or local
clinics for locations.
Important Information for Parents About Drug Trends and Laws • Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office 2012
LAKE COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY’S OFFICE • 2012
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community outreach - Teen Dating Violence: Parent/Teacher/Community Resources
PARENT/TEACHER/COMMUNITY