Meg McIntyre Manager of Community Education P.O. Box 718 Lorain, Ohio or The Causes & Effects of Teen Dating Violence

The Scope of the Problem 1 in 5 teens who have been in a serious relationship report being physically or sexually abused by their partner. 25% of year-olds surveyed know at least one student who was a victim of dating violence. 11% know multiple victims of dating violence. 33% of teens have actually witnessed such an event. 45% of girls know a friend or peer who has been pressured into either intercourse or oral sex.

Females ages are more vulnerable to intimate partner violence than any other age group-almost triple the national average. 86% of teens reported that if abused they would sooner tell a friend over a trusted adult.

Common Outcomes for Teens Experiencing Dating Violence Teen girls in physically abusive relationships were 3.5 times more likely to become pregnant than non- abused girls. Teen mothers who experienced physical abuse are more likely to have a repeat pregnancy within 24 months. Teen girls who are abused by male partners are 3x more likely to become infected with an STD/HIV. Abused teens are at a higher risk for substance abuse, eating disorders, pregnancy and suicide.

Adult violent relationships vs. teen violent relationships Location (proximity to perpetrator) Lack of knowledge Of relationships Of whats ok and whats not Maturity Rights/laws Status Of dating partner Among peers

What Part Does Media and Culture Play? Reality TV Is it reality? Real Housewives/ Basketball Wives Jersey Shore Celebrities Chris Brown/Rihanna Chad Ochocinco Johnson Charlie Sheen Music What are they listening to? Youtube RTA Uppercut Movies Thats romance/love?

Signs A Teen is Being Abusive Exhibit dependence on or obsession about girlfriend/boyfriend Be overly concerned with where their partner is and whom they are talking to or spending time with, may follow them or track their contact with others Make excessive and/or unwanted texts, calls or s to the same person Use technology to stalk or monitor partners interactions or whereabouts and rationalize their behavior Exhibit a controlling behavior towards others

Signs A Teen is Being Abused Make changes in daily rituals Retreat from school or activities and experience withdraw or isolation from friends Make changes in clothing or wear clothes inappropriate for the weather to hide marks Have visible marks or bruises Spend excessive amounts of time with the person they are dating Exhibit anxiety, withdrawal or depression or engage in substance abuse Receive excessive or unwanted texts, calls, IMs or s

Safety Planning with Teens Listening to a survivors concerns Helping him/her evaluate danger and risk Helping him/her consider various courses of action Helping him/her make a plan Supporting him/her to adapt that plan to new risk and new protective factors that come up This process must be survivor led and relevant to their life in order for it to be effective!

So What Can Adults Do? Advocate for prevention programs in your school district HB 19 Offer Genesis House as a resource to speak to community groups Know the signs of abuse and how technology can be used to stalk and abuse Provide non-judgmental support to teens to make decisions Dont be afraid to ask if abuse is happening. Keep the lines of communication open. Keep the teens in your life well informed Become well informed on teen culture Be a great role model! ENCOURAGE TEENS TO GET INVOLVED!!

Genesis House TEEN STREET TEAM What they do/are!: Supportive-non victim blaming listeners Engage students in awareness campaigns Peer educators Student-Staff liaisons Keep adults informed on teen trends Help GH Shelter with fundraisers and other events Rewrite handouts, pamphlets, etc…

Finding the right teens Dont JUST go for the Honor Society Students or the ones who are in every school group. Cast a WIDE net Try and engage different cliques Ask teachers and counselors about students. Interview perspective members! The success of your group depends on it!

Engaging the teens Encourage teens to use their talents and interests. Artists, musicians, public speaking, behind the scenes Allow and encourage teens to take ownership. Make sure the teens are well trained!!

QUESTIONS???