[All credit for this post goes to Paula Silva, our President and Co-founder. This segment from the FOCUS September 2009 newsletter is still relevant to teens everywhere today.]
Teens are bombarded by violent media. The subtle introduction of disrespect and berating verbal language has occurred causing our teens to be insensitive to the violent nature of what is being presented.
Enticing commercials and cultural norms develop an attitude of entitlement. Self-absorption is reinforced. These attitudes permeate relationships that can ultimately destroy a teen’s self image and spirit. This is becoming evident in the statistics now published:
- 1 in 4 teen relationships is abusive.
- 1 in 3 teenagers report knowing a friend or peer who has been hit, punched, kicked, slapped, choked or physically hurt by their partner.
- Nearly 1 in 5 teenage girls who have been in a relationship said a boyfriend had threatened violence or self-harm if presented with a break-up.
- 13% of teenage girls who said they have been in a relationship report being physically hurt or hit.
- More than 1 in 4 teenage girls in a relationship (26%) report enduring repeated verbal abuse.
- Nearly 80% of girls who have been physically abused in their intimate relationships continue to date their abuser.
We find evidence of abuse occurring not only in boy/girl relationships, but girls are bullying other girls and boys are being violent with other boys. Patterns of behavior are being established which will affect relationships into their adulthood years.
Teens look forward to driving. The person behind the steering wheel is in control of the car. The passenger is at the mercy of the driver and safety can become an issue. It is important for teens to learn how to choose their traveling companions wisely and be aware of signs that point to abusive behavior that seeks to control another.
This month we will FOCUS on warning signs of teen dating violence. Knowing the signs of unhealthy relationships is essential. God has good plans for our teens — plans to bless them and prosper them, to give them a future and a hope. God hates oppression and abuse of all kinds. Together let’s be more aware of teen dating violence. Let’s pray for and WITH our youth and teens. Let’s partner with our teens to help them recognize toxic relationships and trust the Lord to bring them to healthy relationships that honor Him.