Oklahoma City Indian Clinic brings awareness to teen dating violence.
OKLAHOMA CITY- Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit clinic providing health and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma, is bringing awareness to Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month this February.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 10% of high school students reported physical abuse and 11% reported sexual abuse.
“Dating violence affects millions of teens each year,” Misty Gillespie said, OKCIC’s Behavioral Health Director. “Unhealthy, abusive and violent relationships can have severe consequences, including short- and long-term negative effects on a developing teen.”
According to the CDC, youth victims who experience dating violence are more likely to:
- Experience symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Engage in unhealthy behaviors, like using tobacco, drugs and alcohol
- Exhibit antisocial behaviors, like lying, theft, bullying or hitting
- Think about suicide
“Teaching healthy relationship skills can reduce the risk of your teen entering into a violent relationship,” Gillespie said. “Teens receive influence on how to behave in relationships from peers, parents and the media.”
If you or someone you know is in a violent relationship, you can call Love is respect at 1-866-331-9474. OKCIC patients can reach out to OKCIC’s Behavioral Health department at (405) 948-4900 ext. 623.
About Oklahoma City Indian Clinic
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic was established in 1974 to provide excellent health care and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma. The clinic staff cares for more than 18,000 patients from over 200 federally recognized tribes every year. American Indians can receive a range of services, including medical, dental, pediatrics, prenatal, pharmacy, optometry, physical fitness, nutrition, family programs and behavioral health services. For more information, please call (405) 948-4900 or visit www.okcic.com.