Teens and Dating Violence - Love Shouldn't Hurt!

Love should not hurt! Whether one refers to the pain of physical abuse, or the emotional devastation that name calling and ridicule causes, our teens are in the midst of a crisis of epidemic proportions. Teens in growing numbers are relating, punching, pushing, slapping, name-calling and even rape to being loved. Whether it is your son, daughter, grandchild, friend, or you, yourself, love doesn't and shouldn't cause physical or emotional pain.

Current statistics show that one in four adolescents report some form of verbal, physical or emotional abuse, in a past or current relationship. The CDC reports that currently more than 72% of all 8th and 9th graders engage in some form of dating. It has also been found that one in eleven high school students report being physically hurt by someone that they are or have been dating.

Children as young as 11 are engaging in sexual activity including oral sex and intercourse. According to the National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center at least 80% of girls who are being abused, or have been abused in the past by their boyfriends, continue to date their abuser. Rap music, movies, and T.V. continue to glamorize physical and verbal abuse and desensitize young people to the actuality and the consequences of abuse. Nearly 24% of 14-17 year old teens, know someone who has fallen victim of some form of abuse in dating. The shocking thing about these statistics is that only 81% of all parents surveyed believe that teen dating violence is an issue at all.

It is reported that in women between the ages of 15 and 19 murdered each year, at least 30% are killed by their husband or boyfriend. The Internet site www.theredflagcampaign.org. lists the following Teen Dating Bill of Rights.

1. I have the right to always be treated with respect.
2. I have the right to be in a healthy relationship.
3. I have the right not to be hurt physically or emotionally.
4. I have the right to refuse sex or affection at any time.
5. I have the right to have friends or participate in activities apart from being in a relationship.
6. I have the right to end a relationship when desired.