Evenings News.com
Community News and Information
Submit a Story
Search

News Categories  
 
 Auto and Truck
 
 Babies
 
 Back To School
 
 Beauty
 
 Books and Magazines
 
 Bridal Articles and News
 
 Business News
 
 Charity
 
 Children
 
 Cleaning
 
 Community News
 
 Computers and The Internet
 
 Consumer News
 
 Decorating
 
 Education
 
 Employment
 
 Entertainment
 
 Environment
 
 Family
 
 Fashion News
 
 Food and Entertaining
 
 Gadgets and Gizmos
 
 Green Living
 
 Gift Ideas
 
 Health
 
 Healthy Living
 
 Holidays
 
 Home
 
 Home Improvements
 
 Household Hints
 
 How To
 
 Human Interest
 
 Insurance
 
 Lawns and Gardens
 
 Mind, Body and Soul
 
 Outdoor Living and Recreation
 
 Paranormal and Metaphysical
 
 Parenting
 
 Pets
 
 Real Estate
 
 Relationships
 
 Science and Technology
 
 Senior Living
 
 Technology
 
 Teenagers
 
 Toys and Hobbies
 
 Vacations, Travel and Leisure
 
 Weight Loss
 
 Women
 
 Artículos de las Noticias en Español

Parenting Last Updated: Jul 2nd, 2008 - 21:15:22


Prom: A Time To Protect Teens From Abusive Relationships
By
May 13, 2008, 18:12

RSS Feed
Email this article
 Printer friendly page

Article Translations: English German Spanish French Italian Portuguese Japanese Korean Chinese
(NAPSI)-Experts say that prom season, a time when issues or abuse can become exacerbated and intensified, provides the perfect opportunity for parents to educate their teens about the signs of dating abuse.

A new survey on teen dating uncovered that an alarming number of 17- and 18-year-olds in relationships are enduring abusive behavior-and many are not aware that it’s abuse.


The survey found:

• Nearly 7 out of 10 teens experienced abusive/controlling behavior from a partner and 2 in 5 teens experienced verbal abuse.

• Over half of teens experienced emotional abuse and 11 percent of teens experienced physical abuse.

• Almost 1 in 4 teens agree that sex is expected if you’re in a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship.

• Among all 17- and 18-year-olds in relationships, 2 in 5 admit their parents know little to nothing about their dating relationships.

The survey, commissioned by Liz Claiborne Inc.-which has worked to end domestic abuse since 1991-and loveisrespect.org, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline, highlights the importance of talking to teens about the signs of dating abuse, particularly around prom time.

Sheryl Cates, chief executive officer of loveisrespect.org, believes it’s vital for parents to discuss all the signs of abuse with their teens during prom season, particularly those that aren’t so apparent.

For instance:

• Controlling behavior

Dating someone who is jealous or possessive of your teen, tries to control where she or he goes, what she or he wears, what she or he does; someone who texts or IMs your teen excessively; someone who tries to stop your teen from seeing or talking to friends and family.

• Verbal abuse

Dating someone who calls your teen names, criticizes or puts your teen down, even in a joking manner.

• Physical abuse

Dating someone who has hit, slapped, pushed or kicked your teen.

• Sexual abuse

Dating someone who tries to force your teen to have sex before she or he is ready.

Finding Help

During prom season, there are a number of resources that parents can turn to for tips on how to talk to their teens about dating relationships and the signs of abuse. “A Parent’s Guide To Teen Dating Violence: 10 Questions To Start The Conversation,” developed by Liz Claiborne Inc. in conjunction with several teen dating abuse experts, highlights 10 important questions to begin the dialogue.

They include:

• How are things going? Starting to talk about abuse can feel awkward at first. Make your first question a general one, rather than one relating specifically to dating violence.

• What are your friends’ dating relationships like? This is just a launching point to get answers to how your teen views relationships. For example, if your teen thinks that after a week, two people are committed for the rest of high school, then you may have some explaining to do about timing and how long it normally takes for people to become intimate emotionally.

• Have you ever seen any kind of abusive behavior between two people who are going together? You may have to give some examples to get your teen to open up. The examples are your chance to define “abusive behaviors” or “violence” and compare your definition to your teenager’s. You may be surprised how your views differ. This question can lead to a longer discussion.

Getting Support

Parents can find support and information by calling the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline at (866) 331-9474, (866) 331-8453 TTY or going online to www.loveisrespect.org.

For a list of tips for parents and a handbook on starting the discussion, visit www.loveisnot abuse.com.

© Copyright by Eveningsnews.com

Top of Page

Parenting
Latest Headlines
Video Games Bridge Generation Gap Between Fathers/Sons
Prom: A Time To Protect Teens From Abusive Relationships
Parents: Make Time for Healthy Choices
The High Cost Of Avoiding Difficult Conversations
Life Changes? Expect Tax Changes, Too
Television Tips And Tools For Parents
A Time-Out For Mom
New Poll Finds Stay-at-Home Moms Should Receive Six-Figure Paycheck
How to Become a Mother Without Losing Yourself
Power to the Parents: Keep Teens Safe During Prom and Graduation
Parenting - Parenting Tips for Twins
A New Secret Weapon For Moms. Learn To Say NO
Is Your Teen Down? Here Are Some Confidence Building Tips For You
Protect Your Child's Online Experience This Holiday Season
Beyond Fine – Opening the Door to Conversation with Your Teen
Dealing with Childhood Obesity
Help Your Child Avoid Smoking
Mother Of Ten Offers Real-Life Wisdom
Bring Back the Best Moments of Childhood Parenting Expert Stacy DeBroff Provides Simple Tips for Recreating the Best Moments of Our Own Childhoods for Kids of Today
Four New Mom Must-Haves Expert Gives Tips to Save Time and Energy as a New Mom