February is teen Violence Awareness Month, and Lt. Brenda Cambra from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station and Linda Davies, the executive director of the Domestic Violence Center of Santa Clarita sat down with Shirly Miller, Public Information Officer from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station to discuss the issue on a KHTS special broadcast.

“A lot of people when they think of domestic violence, they think more of adult situations,” said Miller.  “But really it is a problem with teenagers as well.”

The problem starts in the house, said the guests, and translates to a romantic relationship.

“Children see this growing up and they think that is what love is,” said Davies. “The kids will see it in their homes and then get into relationships and that’s all they know.”

Teenage victims of domestic abuse do not always realize what is happening to them and even if they do, may not seek help from authorities.

“There are few reports of this type of abuse,” said Cambra. “I tend to think that teens tell their friends about these things, and then among their friends they try to solve their problems themselves, without realizing they can get either parental help or law enforcement help.”

Listen to the special broadcast here. 

She said that these situations can quickly spiral out of hand.

“I don’t believe they know how dangerous it can be,” Cambra said. “They believe this is a problem they can solve themselves.”

Davies echoed that concern.

“The first thing they think of is not making a report at the sheriff’s station,” she said. “There are resources out there [but] I don’t know if a teen…is going to reach out to the sheriff’s department.”

As far as warning signs, Davies gave several indicators of a potentially dangerous relationship.

She pointed specifically at potential significant others wanting to know where their partner is at all times as a potential red flag.

“Think about how popular twilight was, said Davies. “And Edward was a stalker.”

Indicators include

• A significant other who tells you to stop hanging out with friends.
• Somebody who is constantly texting you, especially if they want to know where you are at all times.
• Anybody who causes physical or emotional harm for any reason.

As for parents, Cambra offered a few words of advice.

Stay in their lives,” she said. “Make efforts to know who their friends are, to be involved enough to know who your child is hanging out with.”

For anybody who suspects they may know about or be involved in an abusive relationship, there are tools, located at the Domestic Center of Santa Clarita and the city of Santa Clarita’s websites.

Those seeking help can either call an anonymous hotline at (866) 331-9477 or text 22522.