It's a frightening number. According to a new survey by the CDC, 1 in 4 women say they are violently attacked by their intimate partner. As a pediatrician, I often talk with my teenaged patients about dating abuse. My best advice to parents is to do the same.
Your teen remembers all too well the headlines about Rhianna and (then) boyfriend Chris Brown's dating rage? This page one story filtered through the halls of every middle school, high school and college. The unfortunate truth is that dating violence surrounds young people and affects everyone around them.
The numbers are worse among this age group: 1 in 3 teenagers say they know a friend or peer who has been hit, punched, slapped, choked or physically hurt by their partner. This startling statistic is what is "reported"...I'm wondering how many go unreported and are whispers among friends?
Teen dating violence knows no boundary...it runs across race, gender and socio-economic lines. Both males and females are victims. Verbal abuse cuts through a teen's heart with 80% of teens saying this is a "serious issue" for their age group. When asked whether parents have discussed dating violence with their children? 54% will say they have not.
Begin the dialogue today! Teach them that dating abuse comes in many forms...physical, sexual, verbal or emotional. Let them know that at any time they feel threatened by their partner, they should tell someone and seek assistance.
Also, talk to your children about healthy relationships. Tell them to trust their instincts, communicate clearly and always be in control of themselves. You've heard me talk about the 10 steps to better parenting. Step #1: model the behavior you expect. Go home and show your children first hand what a healthy relationship you have with your spouse or significant other. It's the basis for raising healthy, resilient kids.
For more information, you can contact the National Teen Dating Violence Abuse Helpline 1-866-331-9474.
The cycle of domestic violence is never ending until we do something about it. Let's teach our youth how to have a healthy relationship and end the cycle of domestic violence.
Rustie J
Kid's Doctor
Posted on May 13, 2012 at 11:01 AM
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