Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Teen Dating Violence

Just read a report commissioned by Break the Cycle: Empowering Youth to End Domestic Violence.
Did you know that:
  • 1 in 3 teens will experience some form of abuse in a dating relationship;
  • teens who suffer from abusive relationships exhibit increased rates of substance abuse, high risk sexual behaviors, eating disorders and suicidal tendencies;
  • More likely than classmates to bring weapons to school; and
  • 3 times more likely to be involved in a physical fight.

Each state was given a grade for how well prepared they are for dealing with this issue. Tennessee scored a C because it makes protective orders difficult for teens to obtain. If you are under the age of 18, you have to have a parent or a caseworker to file the order for you.

Interested is seeing how your state scored? Check out breakthecycle.org

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