Every day,thousands of U.S. teens are victims of dating violence.Dating violence harms its victims both physically and emotionally.It leaves scars on young people that affect them for a lifetime.
Beginning in the 1990s,researchers opened the eyes of the public to the impact of domestic violence on adults.In recent years, experts have begun documenting the enormous impact dating violence has on our students.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey”, students reported that:
>> 1 in 4 experienced verbal, physical, emotional or sexual abuse from a dating partner
>> Nearly 8 percent have been forced to have sexual intercourse when they did not want to
>> Nearly 10 percent were hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend within the 12 months prior to taking the survey
Research also suggests that many young people who are currently experiencing dating violence will not report it.
The Trend Toward Training
As society’s understanding increases about the nature of teen dating violence,so too has the call for training mandates in schools.In some states,dating violence awareness and prevention training is required for all middle school and high school students.New legislation, like Ohios Tinas Law now requires school staff members to be trained on dating violence as well.
Researchers have learned that education and prevention are the keys to reducing dating violence – and that there are instances during which staff members can play a vital role in protecting a student from physical or emotional harm.
All school staff members need to be aware of their legal responsibilities and their role in the identification and prevention of dating violence.Staff members are obligated to protect minors in accordance with their school district’s policies as well as Federal and State law.
According to the Centers for Disease Control: “Dating Violence is a type of intimate partner violence.It occurs between two people in a close relationship. The nature of dating violence can be physical,emotional or sexual.”
>> Physical violence occurs when a student is pinched, hit, shoved or kicked by a dating partner.
>> Emotional violence occurs when a student is threatened or their self worth is harmed by name-calling,shaming,bullying; or when one partner embarrasses the other on purpose, keeps them away from their friends, or engages in similar controlling behaviors.
>> Sexual violence occurs when one partner forces the other person to engage in a sexual act without consent.
Common Behaviors Displayed by Abusers
Students who abuse their dating partner are often depressed, aggressive or both.They have witnessed violence at home and/or in the community.
Common behaviors displayed by abusers include
>> Poor social skills
>> Difficulty controlling anger
>> Conflicts with other students
>> Beliefs that dating violence is acceptable
>> Problems with alcohol and/or drugs
>> Suicidal tendencies
>> Obsessive behavior toward a dating partner
>> Engaging in bullying of other students
>> Violent tendencies toward small animals
>> Flares of temper
>> Breaking or throwing of
objects when angry
How Does Dating Violence Affect Students?
Students who are victims of dating violence are more likely to
>> Do poorly in school
>> Engage in unhealthy behaviors including drugs and alcohol or eating disorders
>> Think about, or even attempt, suicide
>> Feel isolated and alone
Properly Trained Staff Members Do Make a Difference
Staff members who understand and have been trained on dating violence – and recognize the value in stopping it – contribute positively to the lives of all students.
When school staff members are alert to a possible dating violence situation and open and available to students who may be victims,they help stop the cycle. Their actions protect the student as well as strengthen the school environment.They may even save a life.