Sunday, February 10, 2013

#TDVAM Respect Week


February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. I like to think that all of my friends and their children are in healthy relationships. But statistics tell me that this is simply not the case. 1 in 3 teens experience dating abuse.

In October I wrote about Domestic Violence, but Dating Violence is often just as (if not more) common that what we generally refer to when we talk about Domestic Violence.

65% of Teens say they haven't talked to their parents about an abusive relationship, while 80% of parents say they believe they would recognize the warning signs. Seems to be a disconnect, no?

If you are the parent of a teen, even if they aren't dating, talk to them about healthy relationships! Leading by example is one of the most important things that parents can do, but that alone isn't enough. Talk to your kids about dating abuse and let them know that they can talk to you. Also, let them know that if they aren't comfortable talking to you, that it's ok to talk to someone else!

Are you worried about your friend? At every single education I've ever done through my work everyone always has a friend that they are worried about. Most people don't ever address their concerns because they think, "it's non of my business." You CAN respect their decision while voicing your concerns. Many individuals in abusive relationships feel like there is no one that they can talk to about their situation. You never know if your concern might trigger the first step for them to get the help they need! You can find great information on how to help a friend at loveisrespect.org

This is Respect Week. Wear Orange tomorrow and let people know that you are standing against dating violence. Do you work with teens? r even college students? Look into hosting a Healthy Relationships program with your local Domestic Violence Agency.

This post is in no way sponsored or endorsed by loveisrespect.org, though I'm sure they would appreciate anyone spreading the word about the cause. I'm also writing this post in connection with Just Cause. Blog Good. Do Good.


3 comments:

holli said...

No problem- i can wear orange everyday.

Anonymous said...

One of the sad parts about this issue is that the abused person is often manipulated. The abuser makes them classify the behavior as something else other than abuse, or even causes them to blame themselves and feel like they deserve it.

I read about one girl whose abusive boyfriend killed himself one night. She blamed herself not letting him hit her more - she thought she could have taken more of his anger so that he wouldn't have hurt himself.

Lynne said...

Without destroying folks' privacy - this is an issue that our extended family has, unfortunately, had some experience with. There is some legal action going on now, precipitated by the state, not by either of the people in the relationship - no charges were pressed by either individual, so I am somewhat vague on how this got to the stage it is at - nevertheless....it is such a horrible cycle of behavior - anger management surely needs to be improved, as well as others around them modeling appropriate relationship behaviors...that last one is, I fear, not much in evidence in this case. It is definitely an issue that needs more attention brought to it.