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Sent: Monday, June 15, 2009 3:16 AM
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Subject: USA - Teen Dating Violence Up in Recession - Study
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Direct Link to Full 33-Page Study:
TEEN DATING ABUSE REPORT 2009
CBS News
June 10, 2009
USA STUDY: TEEN DATING VIOLENCE UP
IN RECESSION
Teens in Households Suffering from
Economic Downturn
Increasingly Facing
Violence in Relationships
(CBS) A new
study says teen dating violence is on the rise -- and it may have something to
do with the recession.
On The Early Show, as part of the special series called "CBS
Reports: Children of the Recession," CBS News correspondent Michelle
Miller reported that a study released by Liz Claiborne and The Family Violence Prevention Fund shows an
increase in teen dating violence -- directly tied to the economic downturn.
The study says nearly one-in-three teens reports being the victim of verbal,
physical or sexual abuse. Nearly one-in-four says they’ve been harassed by
e-mail or text messaging. Nearly half of the respondents report being
controlled, threatened or pressured to do things against their will.
"Families in economic distress are themselves experiencing higher rates of
violence," said Kiersten Stewart, of the Family Violence Prevention Fund,
"and teens in those same households are also experiencing much higher
rates of dating violence in their own relationships."
And that’s the case for 18-year-old Whitley-Ann, whose last name CBS News
is not disclosing. She told Miller she was abused by her former boyfriend.
"He bruised me. I was bruised for days," she said. "I didn’t
want people to not like him, because I knew I was going back to him."
And like many victims in the study, Whitley-Ann was too scared to tell anyone
close to her.
"A lot of people don’t know when they’re in an abusive relationship,"
Whitley-Ann says. "They’re in denial, like I was."
Whitley-Ann has been free of her abuser for six months, and plans to attend
college this fall.
But for those still in abusive relationships, CBS News medical
correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton offered some tips on The Early
Show Wednesday on ways to get help.
She recommended talking to someone close to you, such as a friend, a guidance
counselor, a parent, or a relative.
"If you don’t tell anyone, you can’t get help," Ashton said.
The hope, Ashton explained, is that the person will do an intervention or tell
someone else what is going on.
The second tip for teens is to not get in a dangerous situation.
"You have to anticipate what logistical situations could arise that could
be actually compromising and endangering ... your health," she said.
" ... You always have to prepare for the worst-case scenario."
Ashton said teens shouldn't go anywhere alone: Don’t go into the woods, into a
car with someone or into someone’s home where there’s no one else around.
Another thing to remember, Ashton noted, is to not blame yourself.
"People who are victims of domestic violence are victims," she said.
"They didn’t ask for it. It’s not their fault. And that sense of blame can
really add to the problem."
Ashton said parents should also be on the lookout for their kids’ safety.
She said signs of trouble can be subtle, such as your child suddenly wearing
inappropriate clothing. "If it’s warm weather, and suddenly you’re (seeing
your child) wearing sweat pants and long sleeve shirts, that might be a warning
sign," Ashton said.
She added that drastic changes in behavior, such as crying all the time or
withdrawing from friends and family, may also be red flags.
Ashton also suggested keeping the lines of communication open between parents
and children.
"We need to stress to everyone that, starting at an early age, the key to
a healthy relationship is mutual respect. ... (But) any relationship where
there is violence and hurt and shame, whether it’s emotional or physical, is
not a healthy one."
Early Show co-anchor Julie Chen pointed out that the abuse
also needs to be reported.
Ashton agreed, saying parents need to educate children from an early age about
abusive situations and what they can do about them.
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