Domestic Violence in Teens
Some experts believe that teens are abused by their significant other more often than adults are. By the time you finish reading this, someone else in the U.S. will be abused. Dating violence occurs with one of four teens. It is not always the person you suspect. The abuser can be male or female, and the best student in the school. It is very difficult for this age group to ask for help.
Abuse in teens can be physical, emotional or sexual. Only about 9.2% of people seek help after a physical assault. They do say once the problem is exposed they would have talked to someone if the opportunity had been available. Teachers say sometimes students walk up and down in front of a classroom, as if waiting for the right opportunity. So many people do not want to get involved when they suspect abuse, but with teenagers it is critical to do that.
The teenage years can be difficult for teens and their parents. When there is a problem the students behavior usually starts to change. Their grades may drop, they appear to lose interest in everything, they act nervous or anxious and are frequently in contact with the abuser. In todays hi tech world it is easier for the abuser to control their victims. They send unlimited text messages and track their victims with GPS devices. Parents and teachers need to be more aware of this behavior. If you suspect something, ask questions. It would be better to make someone mad or lose a friend than to lose a life.
Just like adults, control and anger, are the two emotions most likely to surface. The person that always has to check in with someone and can never make their own decisions is probably being controlled. Teens also cover their bruises and cuts with long sleeves and makeup just as adults do. If we could put more emphasis on teen abuse perhaps we could stop the behavior then. If not stopped, the abuser grow ups and continues to abuse others.
Educators say that education begins in the home. I agree with that. But what happens when the parents are violent and abusive? Children see this and repeat the behavior. It would be hard for a violent parent to teach their children to be non-violent. So, perhaps it is time for churches and schools to become more involved. Along with sex education and Bible study perhaps we need to include classes on how to be kind to each other - appropriate ways to handle anger and human relation skills. What do you think?
The figures in this blog were taken from an article written by Sarah Newell and published in the Hickory Daily Record.
Abuse in teens can be physical, emotional or sexual. Only about 9.2% of people seek help after a physical assault. They do say once the problem is exposed they would have talked to someone if the opportunity had been available. Teachers say sometimes students walk up and down in front of a classroom, as if waiting for the right opportunity. So many people do not want to get involved when they suspect abuse, but with teenagers it is critical to do that.
The teenage years can be difficult for teens and their parents. When there is a problem the students behavior usually starts to change. Their grades may drop, they appear to lose interest in everything, they act nervous or anxious and are frequently in contact with the abuser. In todays hi tech world it is easier for the abuser to control their victims. They send unlimited text messages and track their victims with GPS devices. Parents and teachers need to be more aware of this behavior. If you suspect something, ask questions. It would be better to make someone mad or lose a friend than to lose a life.
Just like adults, control and anger, are the two emotions most likely to surface. The person that always has to check in with someone and can never make their own decisions is probably being controlled. Teens also cover their bruises and cuts with long sleeves and makeup just as adults do. If we could put more emphasis on teen abuse perhaps we could stop the behavior then. If not stopped, the abuser grow ups and continues to abuse others.
Educators say that education begins in the home. I agree with that. But what happens when the parents are violent and abusive? Children see this and repeat the behavior. It would be hard for a violent parent to teach their children to be non-violent. So, perhaps it is time for churches and schools to become more involved. Along with sex education and Bible study perhaps we need to include classes on how to be kind to each other - appropriate ways to handle anger and human relation skills. What do you think?
The figures in this blog were taken from an article written by Sarah Newell and published in the Hickory Daily Record.
