Opening Statement:
This month we encourage young teenagers and their loved ones throughout the country to come together to raise awareness about the issue of teen dating violence. This annual, month-long, national awareness drives focus on the education needed to prevent dating abuse before it even starts. Researching this topic did open my eyes to this abuse and possibly because I did not date in my teens, I was not fully aware of this horrible violence.
History Of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
· U.S. President Barack Obama declared the month of February as National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in 2011. The Resource Center for Domestic Violence defines teen dating violence as a pattern of abuse against teenagers who are dating or involved in any kind of romantic capacity. This includes threats to the victims and abuse through verbal, emotional, physical, sexual, and even digital forms. Violence can occur across all varieties of groups, cultures, orientations, identities, and religions.
· The statistics justify the need for an awareness month, which shows that dating violence is more common than we think, especially among teens. One in three teens in the U.S. experiences some kind of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional) from someone they’re romantically involved with, and about 43% of college women reported experiencing abusive dating behaviors. They need to be encouraged to talk openly about respect, consent, and boundaries. The earlier they are exposed to what healthy relationships look like, the better it is for them.
· Last year’s theme was ‘Know Your Worth’ which focused on self-empowerment and healthy relationships. It is a powerful personal statement that guides relationship behaviors and communication towards becoming healthy and free from violence. Every person, young or old, is deserving of a healthy, loving relationship. Last year’s Respect Week comprised the following activities: Respect Announcement, Wear Orange Day, Share Your Worth, Respect Challenge, and Take Care of Yourself. This year’s week will also share a similar proceeding. After a dozen editions of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, one can hope that the issue has been reduced.
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month Timeline
2008 - Meta-Analysis
A meta-analysis of a ten-year study reveals that adolescent females commit remarkably more acts of domestic violence in intimate relationships than males.
2009 - C.D.C. Survey
A survey by the C.D.C. reveals that about 10% of high school students in the U.S. were intentionally physically hurt by their partners in the past year.
2011 - Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
On January 31, 2011, President Obama proclaims February as National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.
2011- Another C.D.C. Survey
A C.D.C. U.S. survey reports that 23% of females and 14% of males who experienced physical violence by their partner first experienced it between the ages of 11 and 17.
2011 - State Power
At least eight states introduce legislation to address teen dating violence.
What Are the Main Types of Teen Dating Violence?
The four main types of abuse are verbal, physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Stalking is also recognized as a common type of abuse that is committed by partners or even acquaintances.
What Does a Healthy Relationship Look Like?
Healthy relationships comprise respect, trust, honesty, effort, communication, and compromise. Partners must respect each other’s boundaries, feel free to share their feelings, and can make decisions without fear of any negative reactions from the other.
Which Type of Abuse Is the Hardest to Detect?
Since physical, verbal, and sexual abuse can be seen and heard, emotional and psychological abuse could be considered the hardest to detect. It tends to coexist with the other forms of abuse and is not easy to identify.
How To Observe Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
· Announce Respect
The idea behind the respect announcement is that you deserve respect, for love is respect. Don’t forget that you have the right to set boundaries in your relationship.
· Wear Orange
Orange is the official color for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. So, wear orange as much as you can, and challenge your friends to do the same, even if it’s just accessories.
· Do The Respect Challenge
For the respect challenge on social media, one needs to tag any person in their life who shows them respect. The point is to share that you appreciate them respecting you and letting them know how much it matters to you.
5 Important Facts About Teen Dating Violence
1. Long-Term Effects
Teens suffering from dating abuse often end up being victims of long-term problems like alcoholism, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts, violent bouts, and so on.
2. Widely Affected
In the U.S., about 33% of male and female adolescents are victims of sexual, physical, or emotional dating abuse.
3. S.T.D. Scares
Teen girls subject to abuse are six times more likely to become pregnant or contract an S.T.D. or S.T.I.
4. Suicidal Scares
A shocking 50% of young adults who experience physical or sexual abuse (including rape) attempt to commit suicide.
5. Can’t Confide
Only a third of teens in an abusive relationship could confide in someone about the abuse, and hesitate to seek help since they don’t want to expose themselves.
Closing Statement:
One in three teens in the U.S. experience some kind of abuse from someone they are romantically involved with. About 43% of college women reported experiencing abusive dating behaviors, which makes it a very important and concerning issue. What the statistics noted above do not mention is that such abusive behavior can scar someone for the rest of their lives and possibly develop into PTSD. Since these patterns start at a young age as teens discover love, they need to be fixed so these unhealthy actions and memories can be forgotten to then lead better lives. As all teens should realize is they deserve better, know your worth, and knowing that they should deserve better are empowering things as well as demanding respect is a fundamental human right.
Source of Information: Various Google Searches
Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!