EDITORIAL: Teens need to know from us that no form of abuse is OK

Published 2:35 pm Sunday, February 23, 2020

Nearly 1 in 11 females and approximately 1 in 15 male high school students reported experiencing physical dating violence in the last year, according to the Center for Disease Control.

About 1 in 9 females and 1 in 36 male high school students report having experienced sexual dating violence in the last year.

Yet, only 3 out of 4 parents have never discussed domestic violence issues with their children.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and while the data is surprising, we need to hear these kinds of statistics and recognize the seriousness of teen dating violence and its implications. 

Only then can we address it. 

The numbers are on the rise, and adding to the immediacy of the problem is the digital component, abuse that takes place on social media platforms and via text messaging. 

According to the Center for Disease Control, teen dating violence is categorized into four areas: 

 • Physical violence is when a person hurts or tries to hurt a partner by hitting, kicking, or using another type of physical force.

 • Sexual violence is forcing or attempting to force a partner to take part in a sex act, sexual touching, or a non-physical sexual event (e.g., sexting) when the partner does not or cannot consent.

 • Psychological aggression is the use of verbal and non-verbal communication with the intent to harm another person mentally or emotionally and/or exert control over another person.

 • Stalking is a pattern of repeated, unwanted attention and contact by a partner that causes fear or concern for one’s own safety or the safety of someone close to the victim.

Studies also indicate that this kind of violence typically begins between the ages of 12 and 18.

All too often, however, these patterns originate because they see them play out at home through their parents and other adults in their lives. Violent relationships as teens put these young people at serious risk for other ramifications as well. 

Supporting the development of healthy, respectful and nonviolent relationships has the potential to reduce the occurrence and prevent its harmful and long-lasting effects on individuals, their families, and the communities where they live. During the pre-teen and teen years, it is critical for youth to begin learning the skills needed to create and maintain healthy relationships. 

Somehow, the cycle has to be broken. Speaking to local teens and establishing a rapport with them on the issue of teen dating violence by going into local schools and generating awareness is the right direction to take. Parents need to be schooled as well on what warning signs to look for with their children and among their friends and dating partners. 

Locally, Baldwin County Solicitor Skye Gess and her staff have presented at area schools this month to help create awareness on the issue and show local young people that there are people here to help. We can join them by helping spread the message and help end the cycle. Teens need to know that there are resources available. One such resource is National Dating Abuse Helpline, a 24-hour national web-based and telephone resources to help teens experiencing dating abuse. Young people (as well as concerned friends, parents, teachers, clergy, law enforcement and service providers) anywhere in the country can call toll free, 1-866-331-9474, text “loveis” to 22522, or log on to the interactive website, loveisrespect.org, and receive immediate, confidential assistance. 

Whether mental, physical or emotional, our girls and boys, men and women, need to know that no form of abuse is OK. It is never justified and should never be acceptable.