Teen Dating Violence: What Every Child and Parent Must Know

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