NCJ Number
202057
Journal
Healing Volume: 7 Issue: 2 Dated: Fall 2002 Pages: 15-17
Date Published
2002
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article discusses teenage dating violence.
Abstract
Recent research has revealed that one in five girls has experienced physical or sexual violence by a dating partner. Many of the girls that were subjected to abuse admitted to engaging in risky behavior such as smoking, suicide ideation and attempts, unprotected sex, drug use, or unhealthy weight control methods. Crime surveys have indicated that women between the ages of 16 and 24 experienced the highest rates of intimate partner violence. It cannot be assumed that only girls in certain ethnic, peer, or socioeconomic groups are victims of this type of abuse; any young woman can experience these problems. Some teenagers see violence and abuse as common and normal interaction between parents or guardians within a household. Some girls are unaware they are in a violent relationship and are surprised when they realize what kind of person they are dating. Having open communication between parent and teen is the first step to identifying problems. Parents should know whom their child is dating. Assuring the child that it is all right to approach a parent with any type of issue is the first step in preventing involvement in or getting out of an abusive relationship. There are five tips for parenting healthy relationships: (1) parents should teach the teen to protect himself/herself; (2) teach the teen to be assertive; (3) practice conflict resolution in the home; (4) challenge the attitudes and images that create a tolerance for violence in intimate relationships; and (5) help the teen identify and define healthy relationships. The warning signs of an abusive relationship are change in style of clothing or makeup, loss of confidence in self and difficulty in making decisions, spending less or no time with parents or friends, beginning to receive failing grades or quitting school activities, and a turn to drug or alcohol use.