Recognizing February as National Teen Dating Violence Prevention and Awareness Month
Salina, Kansas – It has been four years since 19-year-old Siobhan Russell was found brutally stabbed to death by her 17-year-old boyfriend in Oak Hill, Virginia. In 2010, Siobhan’s abuser was arrested and sentenced to 40 years in prison. After living through this horrific event, Siobhan’s mother was determined to do all that she could to prevent other acts of abuse and violence. She now runs an organization to raise awareness about teen dating violence, where she speaks to communities about the warning signs of dating violence. She is an example for us all.
February is National Teen Dating Violence Prevention and Awareness Month and it is critical that we take this time to recognize domestic violence is prevalent among our youth. One in three adolescents, 1.5 million annually, in the U.S. will be a victim of physical, emotional or sexual abuse from a dating partner. Nearly 80% of girls who have been physically abused in their intimate relationships continue to date their abuser. And 33% of teens who are in an abusive relationship never tell anyone. It’s time to shine a light on this issue.
Recognizing abuse in a relationship can be difficult, especially for teens. There are many types of abuse that young people may believe are normal in a relationship. Examples of dating abuse may include a partner in a relationship demanding password information for email accounts and social networking sites, monitoring or controlling where their partner goes and who they spend time with, spending excessive amount of time with each other, name calling and putdowns, and all too often escalating to the use of physical abuse or sexual assault. Additionally, excessive texting is a common sign of dating abuse. On average, teens exchange up to 100 text messages per day with friends and family. In a recent study, teen dating violence victims reported receiving up to 30 texts per hour from their abusive partner.
Even though teen relationships may be different from adult relationships, teens can experience the same types of abuse and common obstacles when seeking help including limited finances, transportation, and maintaining their safety. Furthermore, many may have concerns regarding confidentiality as many adults that youth may interact with are commonly mandated reporters.
But, teens have a right to safe and healthy relationships. The Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas (DVACK) urges Salina’s citizens to take the lead in raising awareness and preventing teen dating violence. There are many ways that you can take part:
Encourage legislators to introduce laws that require teen dating violence education in the classroom. Teens spend the majority of their time in school or at school-related activities and without laws in place to protect them, domestic and sexual violence among teens will continue to cause upheaval at home and at school.
Know the laws. For instance, in Kansas, a parent or adult residing with a minor may petition for a PFA (Protection from Abuse Order) on the minor’s behalf; KSA § 60-3104(b).
Take the time to educate yourself and others about teen dating violence. Get additional information by scheduling a presentation for your business, organization, club, school, class, or church by contacting DVACK at 785-827-5862. Presentations are available to groups of all sizes, ages, and demographics. Or visit DVACK’s website at www.dvack.org.
Like Siobhan’s mother, you can make a difference.