If you have teenagers at home who are involved in the dating scene, you already know the romantic dramas can get pretty intense. Most of it is typical of the age, but a new study reveals that teen dating is becoming increasingly violent, destructive and pathological. It's important to teach teenagers to set firm boundaries against physical violence and to recognize when a partner is becoming abusive emotionally, psychologically or physically. Pam Kallsen of the Marjaree Mason Center, a shelter for victims of domestic violence, sent me this note yesterday from the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence:
Unprecedented Levels of Teen Dating Violence and Abuse Uncovered
In March 2006, Liz Claiborne Inc. commissioned Teenage Research Unlimited (TRU) to conduct a survey to delve deeper into the issue of teen dating abuse, gauging the degree to which teens have been involved in abusive/controlling relationships and to understand youth perceptions regarding what is and is not acceptable behavior in a relationship.
The findings were astounding. The results show that alarming numbers of teens experience and accept abusive behavior in dating relationships and that the problem gets worse as teens get older and into more serious relationships. Many teens also feel physically and sexually threatened.
The reports of abuse extend across suburbs and cities, all ethnic groups and regions; yet teens in the South and the Midwest report abuse in greater numbers than other regions. Alarming acceptance of physical violence among Hispanic teens.
To read the full report visit : http://www.loveisnotabuse.com/pdf/Liz%20Claiborne%20Mar%2006%20Relationship%20Abuse%20Hotsheet.pdf
Do you suppose there's a link between this violence and the godawful rap (I can't call it music) they listen to? Much of it promotes violence against women. Why do these girls think so little of themselves that they'll accept such violence against them?