| If there ever was any doubt in your mind | | | | - Physical aggression is the "masculine" |
| where adult domestic violence has its | | | | thing to do.Teenage female beliefs include: |
| roots-put your inquisitive mind at rest. It | | | | |
| starts with our kids!! In a recent study | | | | - There's no resource for help |
| partnered by Teenage Research Unlimited and | | | | |
| the Liz Claiborne Corporation, teens 13-18 | | | | - Abuse is normal because their peers are |
| were surveyed on the frequency of dating | | | | abused |
| violence in their lives.The study revealed | | | | |
| some shocking statistics and facts about the | | | | - Jealousy, possessiveness and even abuse |
| teen dating scene. Among many conclusions are | | | | are "romantic".Historically other studies and |
| that a significant percentage of teens not | | | | surveys support these findings. This serves |
| only are victims of dating abuse but also | | | | as pretty solid evidence that teenagers grow |
| they accept it as normal and that they feel | | | | up in a society that frowns on adult domestic |
| pressured to have and keep relationships | | | | violence, yet it appears they serve their |
| particularly if it is a "serious" one.Teens | | | | apprenticeships in high school learning the |
| in these serious relationships report by | | | | nuances of how to abuse. Do they learn on |
| nearly a 2 to 1 margin more abuse, | | | | their own or do they learn from their abusive |
| controlling and even violent behavior | | | | parents? It is a very difficult question to |
| compared to other teens.The study also showed | | | | answer nevertheless the cycle must be broken. |
| that: | | | | Today's youth represent the best chance to |
| | | | make a change.Here's how to start. Educate |
| - 20% in a serious relationship report being | | | | and Prevent.Know Some Warning Signs. Is there |
| hit, slapped or pushed | | | | a history of violence with previous partners? |
| | | | Are there threats of violence, use of force? |
| - 30% report being worried about their | | | | Is there cruelty to animals? Are traits of |
| physical safety | | | | sudden anger, jealousy, verbal abuse, |
| | | | controlling behavior, unpredictable mood |
| - 64% report controlling behavior | | | | swings present? All or any of these can be |
| | | | predictors of future behavior and definite |
| - 55% compromise their values to please | | | | warning signs.Set Standards. Only allow |
| their partner | | | | double dates for the first few dates. Know |
| | | | exactly what the plans are-who, where, what, |
| - 61% reported having a partner who made | | | | when-be very specific. Remember: Trust but |
| them feel bad or embarrassed about themselves | | | | Verify. You love your children. It is your |
| | | | responsibility to set the standards for their |
| - 25% report being in a relationship where | | | | actions.Develop a Safety Plan. In an |
| their partner put them down or called them | | | | emergency know who to call: police, relative, |
| names | | | | parents, friend, neighbor, pastor-have a |
| | | | calling card handy. Know who you can trust |
| - 29% said they were pressured to have sex | | | | to talk to. Develop a buddy system at school |
| they do not want | | | | so you are never alone. Change your route to |
| | | | school if necessary. Carry some non lethal |
| - 50% of young women worry that their | | | | self defense items-pepper spray, personal |
| partner will break up with them if they do | | | | defense alarms, etc. Trust your |
| not agree to engage in sex.It is no wonder | | | | instincts.Above all be prepared. Knowing what |
| that this problem exists with teenage male | | | | to look for and keeping an open mind may end |
| belief systems that include: | | | | up saving you a lot of pain.Jack Krohn |
| | | | started Security Solutions to help people |
| - Controlling their partners | | | | prevent crime. His website |
| | | | |
| - Possessing their partners | | | | unique, hard to find products for self |
| | | | defense, home security and professional high |
| - Demanding intimacy | | | | tech surveillance equipment for homes and |
| | | | business. |