Teen Dating Violence National Awareness & Prevention Week

National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week is February 5-9, 2007.

Just as domestic violence runs across all socioeconomic, racial and gender lines, so does teenage dating violence. One may believe that this type of serious problem does not exist in rural small town communities like those located in Union and Towns County, but to believe such would be incorrect. According to statistics listed on the American Bar Association Website relating to Teen Dating Violence Awareness, approximately

"One in 5 female high school students surveyed reported being physically or sexually abused by a dating partner." "Nearly 25 percent of 14-17 year olds surveyed know at least one student who was a victim of dating violence, while 11 percent know multiple victims of dating violence. Thirty-three percent of teens have actually witnessed such an event." Surprisingly, "81 percent of parents surveyed either believe teen dating violence is not an issue or they don't know if it's an issue."

The Prevention Program, part of S.A.F.E. and the Enotah Child Advocacy & Family Support Center, is working in both Union and Towns Counties to educate students with age appropriate materials on abuse awareness and prevention. When visiting Primary Grades, the presentations focus on communicating "frustration" utilizing healthy and constructive verbal techniques. In Elementary Grades, the focus is on how to identify emotions and communicate with others using "I-Statements", for example:

"I feel --------, when you ---- -- because --------." In Middle School Grades, the focus shifts to identifying pro-social characteristics in others when developing friendships. During High School presentations, the focus is on making healthy relationship choices and understanding the various types of domestic violence, i.e. physical, emotional, mental, verbal, sexual and financial. During these discussions with teenagers, it becomes quite clear that teenage dating violence in various forms does exist to some degree in our local high schools.

Parents, guardians, teachers, religious leaders and concerned adults in general are encouraged to take time throughout the year, but especially during the week of February 5-9 to sit down and have an open conversation with your teenagers regarding dating and violence. Awareness Posters listing Facts and Warning Signs relating to Teen Dating Violence will be posted throughout our local high schools and representatives from the Enotah Child Advocacy & Family Support Center will be on hand to talk with concerned or affected students in their local high schools on Wednesday, February 7.

For more information regarding teenage dating and violence, please visit the American Bar Association Website at http://www.ABA.orgwww.aban et.org/unmet/teendating/facts.p df. If you would like to have a representative from S.A.F.E. or the Enotah Child Advocacy & Family Support Center come speak to your organization relating to domestic violence awareness and prevention issues, please call 706-835-1637.