Yesterday the Community Action Team (CAT) representing Betty Griffin House presented to the HOPE classes at Pedro Menendez High School in St. Augustine, Florida.
We discussed teen dating abuse, described what the different forms of dating abuse are, and talked about Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, which is in February.
The students were very receptive to our presentation. They will be participating in a poster contest and I can’t wait to see what they create!
Teen dating abuse is prevalent in our society today. Approximately one in three adolescent girls in the United States is a victim of physical, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner – a figure that far exceeds victimization rates for other types of violence affecting youths.1 Eighty one percent of parents believe teen dating violence is not an issue or admit they don’t know if it’s an issue.2
I’m so proud to be able to raise awareness with such a dynamic group of people. We are looking for volunteers to join CAT and if you are interested please let us know.
Remember, if we can help just one victim, we’ve done our job!
Katelin Maloney
1 Davis, Antoinette, MPH. 2008. Interpersonal and Physical Dating Violence among Teens. The National Council on Crime and Delinquency Focus. Available athttp://www.ocjs.ohio.gov/TDVMonth/Interpersonal_Teens.pdf.
2 Tween and Teen Dating Violence and Abuse Study, Teenage Research Unlimited for Liz Claiborne Inc. and the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline. February 2008. Available at>http://www.loveisnotabuse.com/pdf/Tween%20Dating%20Abuse%20Full%20Report.pdf