Though there are numerous studies on the effect dating violence has on women, little is known about what causes men to act violently towards their partners. To that end, a recent study tries to find some answers.

"[Elizabeth] Miller and [Elizabeth] Reed said that the study is from an urban sample of boys in programs for dating violence perpetration and, therefore, does not represent all boys who perpetrate abusive behaviors towards girlfriends. However, it offers some important, initial insights into the life contexts of boys that may contribute to dating violence."

Some of those life contexts include having a violent home life or living in a violent neighborhood, engaging in peer relationships that encourage the mistreatment of women, and experiencing inadequate support at school, the researchers said. Source: Science Blog

Labels: dating, violence

A survey conducted by Teenage Research Unlimited has found disturbing trends of dating abuse among "tweens" ages 11 to 14. The survey was commissioned by Liz Claiborne, Inc., loveisrespect.org, and the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline.

"Among tweens that have dated, 62 percent say they know friends who have been verbally abused; 41 percent know friends who have been called names, put down, or insulted via cell phone, instant messaging or social networking sites; and 20 percent have been struck in anger by a boyfriend or girlfriend."

The survey's alarming results have prompted the National Association of Attorneys General to pass a resolution requiring teen dating violence and abuse curriculum in every school. It has also prompted child psychologists to remind parents about the important role they play in educating their children about sexual health and appropriate relational behavior. Source: CBS News

Read When Teen Romance Turns Violent for more information.

Labels: danger, dating, violence

When Ashley was 18 years old, she was raped by her high school boyfriend. Now, over a decade later, the emotional scars haven't completely healed. She has begun speaking to teens and parents, hoping to raise awareness about teen dating violence.

"According to the Texas Council on Family Violence, 13 percent of teenage girls in relationships say they've been physically abused. Only 33 percent of teenagers in abusive relationships ask for help, and less than 25 percent say they've talked about dating violence with their parents."

That's why Ashley has become a public speaker. She hopes that if she talks first, young girls who are in unhealthy relationships will feel the freedom to start talking, too. Source: KBTX

Labels: abuse, dating, violence

Representative Edna Brown (D., Toledo) recently introduced a bill to the Ohio House of Representatives which expands the protection offered to teens that are or have been in an abusive dating relationship. House Bill 247 was approved on Wednesday and is now headed to the Senate for consideration.

"Ms. Brown's bill... expands the list of allegations that could allow an alleged victim to seek protection to include felonious assault, aggravated assault, menacing, aggravated menacing, menacing by stalking, or a sexually oriented offense or its equivalent within a dating relationship."

The bill also allows foster parents to request protection orders on behalf of a teen that is in their care. Source: Toledo Blade

Labels: dating, legislation, violence

Teens turn away when friends bring up dating violence, according to a new study from the University of Michigan and Wayne State University.

Researchers surveyed 224 high school students about whom they turn to with their problems involving romantic relationships. Most talked things over with friends rather than family members. However, the teens told researchers that if they tried to bring up dating violence, their friends would change the subject.

"Peers might feel threatened when hearing of severe violence because they might fear the abuser or might be reminded that they too are vulnerable to severe violence in their relationships," said the study's co-author, Professor Richard Toman at Michigan's School of Social Work.

This study appears in the Journal of Adolescence.

Worried that your teen is experimenting with drugs or alcohol? Visit Adolescent-Substance-Abuse.com to learn how to recognize the signs and learn how to help your teenager.

Labels: dating, friends, violence

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have found a link between teenage dating violence and health problems like binge eating, cigarette smoking, alcohol and marijuana use, and depression.

Dr. Diann Ackard of the University of Minnesota surveyed 23 boys and 102 girls who had experienced dating violence and compared their health to that of 671 boys and 102 girls without such a history in interviews in 1999 and then again in 2004.

Dr. Ackard, writing in the Journal of Pediatrics, reports that about 20% of teenage girls and 10% of teenage boys are abused sexually or physically by dating partners every year.

Concerned your teen may be suffering from depression? Visit AboutTeenDepression.com to learn more.

Labels: dating, mental_health, violence

Teens that have been abused by dating partners are more likely to develop risky behaviors like eating disorders and suicidal thoughts. A team of researchers from the University of Minnesota at Minneapolis compared the behaviors of boys and girls who had experienced dating violence with those who hadn't.

"Both boys and girls who had experienced dating violence were more likely to display three or more of 10 behavioral and psychological health problems including binge eating, cigarette smoking, alcohol or marijuana use, depressive symptoms and low self-esteem, the researchers found. The relationship was particularly strong for girls."

Dr. Diann Ackard suggested that parents ask questions about teens' relationships; particularly how they feel when they're with certain people – which can help determine whether the teen is at risk of being abused.

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Labels: dating, risky_behaviors, violence