Preventing Teen Dating Violence Reminder: Assignment 1 due W. New film: Dealing w/ Teen Dating Abuse Research on Teen Dating Violence Teen Power and Control Wheel Cycle of Violence Risk Factors Barriers to Reporting Ways to Help Prevention
Research on Teen DV Prevention “Dating” begins at 12 Definitional issues regarding abuse 1/3 of teen relationships physical aggression Girls and boys report committing = amounts Girls report receiving injuries & sex victimization Set template for future relationships
The Cycle of Violence Tension Building Violence Presents & Promises Triggers Violence Presents & Promises
Risk Factors for Violence Community & school violence Parental violence Child abuse Past behaviors Accept aggression Verbal aggression & Jealousy Retaliation to save face Teen pregnancy, substance abuse, antisocial
Barriers to Reporting Fear of Abuser Guilt/Shame Desire independence Believe/internalize abuser Doesn’t see actions as abuse Fear of not being believed
How to Help Believe victim Tell victim it was not their fault Tell victim they don’t deserve abuse Return control: discuss options, support figures Encourage a safety plan Encourage medical tx, legal aid, counseling Consider culturally specific barriers & resources
Prevention Programs Can change attitudes, knowledge and skills Some evidence behavior change Hard to measure Recommendations: Target whole population Train existing staff Gender neutral Train skills & attitude change Booster sessions Peer counseling