Teen Dating Violence Awareness: A Course of Action

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jimmie D. Pike
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Laughlin's family advocacy is hosting an event for 6th to 12th graders and their parents to learn how to recognize and prevent dating abuse and how to help someone involved in an abusive relationship.  The event will be held Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the 47th Medical Group Conference Room and a free lunch will be provided.

Teens have a lot to deal with to include school, sports, work and future endeavors, but some may also be in an abusive relationship that adds even more stress that can be detrimental to their overall health.

"Teen dating violence is happening in our kid's schools and many parents may not realize it," said Casey Anderson, 47th Flying Training Wing Family Advocacy Outreach manager. "Teen dating violence doesn't discriminate; it can happen to any teen."

According to an article written by Dhrisan Smith, Kirkland Air Force Base Advocacy Outreach manager:

· One in three teens experiences some kind of abuse in romantic relationships, including verbal and emotional abuse.

· Nearly 80 percent of girls who have been physically abused in their intimate relationships continue to date their abuser.

· 30 percent of teens have received as many as 30 texts an hour from partners demanding to know where they are, what they are doing and who they are with.

"In most instances, teens that are in an abusive relationship don't know how to leave, or they may be afraid to," said Anderson. "It's important that parents discuss and develop a safety plan with their children."

By taking the time to discuss the topic with their children, parents can better prepare their teens to date responsibly and manage healthier relationships.

"If someone were to ask their kid what to do if they were on fire, their kid would most likely say, 'stop, drop and roll,' and that's because we emphasize it so much to them at a young age," said Anderson. "If we put the same emphasis on dating and healthy relationships, hopefully safe dating will become just as instinctive."