February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Teen Dating Awareness Month is a national effort to raise awareness about abuse in teen relationships. Dating violence includes physical, sexual or emotional abuse by someone they are in a relationship with. Nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner in a single year. (CDC 2006) Girls and women between the ages of 16 and 24 experience the highest rate of intimate partner violence. Among female victims, 94 percent of those were between the ages of 16 and 19. (Department of Justice 1993-2004)
Despite the concerning numbers of victims, a lack of awareness creates challenges for victims. Based on several studies, parents reported limited knowledge of dating violence and that it was rarely ever reported by teens. On average, one third of victims of dating violence do not report the abuse. (Family Violence and Prevention Fund and Advocates for Youth, 2004)
It is important to educate teens on dating violence and help identify safe adults to whom teens can reach out. To help initiate conversation with teens, it is important to use open-ended questions and let them discuss how they feel they could handle challenges and problem solve. As parents, it's easy to want to help our children by saying the "right" or "best" way to handle things, but as teens grow and develop, it is helpful for them to learn the skills of how to think through important decisions. The process of making decisions can be more important than assuming what they feel they are "supposed" to do.
So during this month, talk to your teens about the importance of boundaries and respecting themselves and others. Teen dating violence can leave lasting effects on a teenager's life. Encourage open communication and remind each teen that it is important to be safe and talk to someone they trust.
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Editor's note: Amanda Childs is the social worker for Pea Ridge Schools.
Community on 02/10/2016