More than half of America’s teens know friends who have experienced some sort of dating abuse, while nearly three in four say that physical dating violence is a serious concern for their age group,according to a survey sponsored by Liz Claiborne Inc and conducted by Teenage Research Unlimited.
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month.
Governor LePage has issued the following proclamation, February 2012:
Governor Paul LePage on Tuesday proclaimed the month of February to be Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. Members of the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence, Family Violence Project and other violence awareness advocates joined the Governor as he signed the proclamation Tuesday morning.
“I sign this proclamation today with the hope that it will make a difference. There is no room for any type of violence in Maine and I will do everything I can to stop the abuse,” said the Governor. “Violence awareness advocacy groups like the Family Violence Project are an intricate part of helping raise awareness and supporting victims of violence and I commend these organizations that are truly making a difference.”
The Governor invites Mainers to join violence awareness advocates in helping to raise awareness on this important issue by encouraging statewide youth, families, schools, law enforcement communities, government agencies, elected officials, civic organizations and other interested groups to show support for the organizations and individuals who provide critical advocacy and services and assistance to victims.
The Proclamation is as follows:
WHEREAS, the youth of Maine are this State’s most precious resource and greatest hope for the future, and ensuring their safety, well-being, positive development and growth into healthy citizens is a priority and responsibility we all share;
WHEREAS, the transitional adolescent years present new challenges and choices for teens as they experience dating relationships for the first time;
WHEREAS, teen dating violence, including physical, verbal and emotional abuse, sexual assault, and harassment via texting, email or “instant messaging” is a reality for many teenagers in Maine and it is a reality of which many parents and caregivers are unaware;
WHEREAS, studies also indicate that effects of violent relationships can be serious and put victims at higher risk for substance abuse, eating disorders, risky sexual behavior, suicide and adult re-victimization; and
WHEREAS, both Houses of the U.S. Congress have declared February as “National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month,”
NOW, THEREFORE, I, PAUL R. LEPAGE, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim the month of February, 2012 to be TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS & PREVENTION MONTH throughout the State of Maine, and urge all citizens to recognize this observance.
President Obama has issued the following proclamation:
NATIONAL TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH, 2011. BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: A PROCLAMATION
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: A PROCLAMATION
National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month reflects our Nation’s growing understanding that violence within relationships often begins during adolescence. Each year, about one in four teens report being the victim of verbal, physical, emotional, or sexual violence. Abusive relationships can impact adolescent development, and teens who experience dating violence may suffer long-term negative behavioral and health consequences. Adolescents in controlling or violent relationships may carry these dangerous and unhealthy patterns into future relationships. The time to break the cycle of teen dating violence is now, before another generation falls victim to this tragedy.
Though many communities face the problem of teen dating violence, young people can be afraid to discuss it, or they may not recognize the severity of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Parents and other adults can also be uncomfortable acknowledging that young people experience abuse, or may be unaware of its occurrence. To help stop abuse before it starts, mentors and leaders must stress the importance of mutual respect and challenge representations in popular culture that can lead young people to accept unhealthy behavior in their relationships.
Our efforts to take on teen dating violence must address the social realities of adolescent life today. Technology such as cell phones, email, and social networking websites play a major role in many teenagers’ lives, but these tools are sometimes tragically used for control, stalking, and victimization. Emotional abuse using digital technology, including frequent text messages, threatening emails, and the circulation of embarrassing messages or photographs without consent, can be devastating to young teens. I encourage concerned teens, parents, and loved ones to contact the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline at 1-866-331-9474 or visit www.LoveIsRespect.org to receive immediate and confidential advice and referrals.
My Administration is committed to engaging a broad spectrum of community partners to curb and prevent teen dating violence. The Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women supports collaborative efforts to enhance teens’ understanding of healthy relationships, help them identify signs of abuse, and assist them in locating services. Resources are available at: www.OVW.USDOJ.gov/teendatingviolence.htm . The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also provide tools to help prevent dating violence among teens. More information is available at: www.CDC.gov/ChooseRespect.org
During National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month — and throughout the year — let each of us resolve to do our part to break the silence and create a culture of healthy relationships for all our young people. Adults who respect themselves, their partners, and their neighbors demonstrate positive behaviors to our children — lessons that will help them lead safe and happy lives free from violence.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim February 2011 as National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. I call upon all Americans to support efforts in their communities and schools, and in their own families, to empower young people to develop healthy relationships throughout their lives and to engage in activities that prevent and respond to teen dating violence.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
BARACK OBAMA
In many situations, teens do not recognize they are being abused until serious emotional and/or physical damage is done. Teenagers have the right to safety and to experience healthy relationships. Teen dating violence can be as serious as domestic abuse. It may include hitting, yelling, threatening, name calling, and other forms of verbal, sexual, emotional, and physical abuse. The number of incidents and the severity of the abuse increases as the relationship continues. Very few teens tell someone else, ask for help. In a violent relationship, one partner chooses to maintain power and control over the other through abuse. Dating violence happen in all kinds of relationships. MCEDV member projects advocate for and educate teens, teachers, parents or other concerned people about dating violence.
red flags
- expect you to spend all of your time with him/her or to “check in” with and let them know where you are?
- act extremely jealous and/or possessive of you?
- isolate you by controlling where you go, who you see and talk to, what you wear?
- treat you with disrespect and put you down?
- put down your friends and family, your dreams, ideas and or goals?
- lose his/her temper frequently over little things?
- make you feel as if you are walking on eggshells to keep the peace?
- make threats to hurt you, leave you, hurt your pets, destroy your property and/or commit suicide if you don’t do what he/she wants?
- play mind games or make you feel guilty?
- refuse to take responsibility for his/her actions? blame you drugs or alcohol, his/her boss, parents etc. for his/her behaviors?
- New Hope for Women, (Knox, Waldo, & Lincoln Counties Domestic Violence Project)
Do You?
- sometimes feel scared of how your partner will act?
- constantly make excuses to other people for your partner’s behavior?
- believe that you can help your partner change if only you changed something about yourself (i.e. how you dress, who you talk to, or how you show you care?
- try not to do anything that would cause conflict or make your partner angry?
- feel like no matter what you do, your partner is never happy with you?
- always do what your partner wants you to do instead of what you want?
- stay with your partner only because you are afraid of what your partner would do if you broke up?
- Reaching & Teaching Teens NDVSAC, 1996
You may have answered YES to some of these question and still think “It’s not that bad”, however, you should never feel scared, pressured, humiliated or controlled by someone else. You should feel loved, respected, and free to be yourself. Your feelings are important. Advocates at your local domestic violence project are willing listen 24-hours a day.
Is a friend being abused? See 10 ways to help a Friend who is Being Abused.
why teens don’t tell friends or parents about dating violence:
- Afraid their parents will make them break up.
- Embarrassed and ashamed.
- Afraid of getting hurt.
- Convinced it is their fault or that their parents will blame them or will be disappointed.
- Confused—they may think this is what a relationship is all about.
- Afraid of losing privileges like being able to stay out late or use the car.
Safety Planning for Teens:
- Plan for your safety—Your local domestic violence project will help you – you don’t even need to tell them your name
- Tell someone: school guidance counselors, teachers, church members, coaches, employers, neighbors, parents, families, and hotlines
- Let them know how to help you—If the first person you tell makes you feel bad then tell someone else; you deserve support
- Consider changing your route to/from school.
- Use a buddy system for going to school, classes and after school activities.
- If stranded, who could you call for a ride home?
- Keep a journal describing the abuse– keeping a dated record of abuse can be helpful if you decide to use the civil and criminal justice systems
- Get rid of or change the number to any beepers, pagers or cell phones the abuser gave you.
- Keep spare change, calling cards, number of the local shelter, number of someone who could help you and restraining orders with you at all times.
- How can you communicate with friends if you are in trouble? (code word)
- From the Domestic Violence Advocacy Program of Family Resources, Inc.
support and education for teenagers at mcedv projects
All MCEDV member projects work in area schools and other alternative settings to educate students and individuals or institutions serving youth about teen dating violence and healthy relationships. Many presentations are aligned with the “key concepts” and “content areas” mandated for comprehensive school health education. Below is a list of programs provided:
Middle School: An assortment of activities used to show students how to communicate their feelings and how they can model healthy behaviors.
High School: Educational programs use a variety of methods to teach how to define healthy or unhealthy adolescent dating relationships, how to identify the red flags of abusive behavior and access community resources and how support a peer who may be a victim of abuse.
On-Site Advocacy and Group Support: All Projects are willing to go into schools to provide advocacy or group support.
Faculty, Staff & Board Trainings: Trainings are designed to provide faculty/staff with information on how to intervene in abusive behavior, what community resources are available, and how to create a non-oppressive school environment.
Legal Advocacy: Contact the member project serving your area for help with protection orders and other legal problems.
24-Hour Helpline: Whether you have questions about your relationships or if you are looking to help a friend, call your local domestic violence project.
Programs look different everywhere, some projects provide: elementary education; bullying and conflict resolution education; and programs to encourage youth to educate their peers.
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Dating Bill of Rights |
| I have a right to:
·Ask for a date From the Domestic Family Advocacy |
