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Teen Dating Violence

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Introduction: Teen dating violence can be described as dating abuse, relationship abuse, intimate partner violence, domestic abuse or domestic violence. It can occur among heterosexual or homosexual couples and does not necessarily have to require sexual intimacy. It’s often referred to as the “other domestic violence” because the violence that occurs among teenagers and adults is very different (Healthy People, 2010). Teen dating violence and adult domestic violence are both recognized as public health issues, the dynamics of the abuse differs between adolescents and adults. According to Mulford and Giordano (2008), the key differences between teen dating violence and adult domestic violence include:
• Lack of unequal power dynamic - Adolescent …show more content…

Short term consequences can include depression, anxiety, cigarette and drug use, suicidal thoughts, unintended pregnancies and other sexual risk behaviors, and alcohol abuse (Cutter-Wilson & Richmond, 2011). Long term consequences can include substance dependence, decreased self-esteem, eating disorders, poor academic performance, and poor mental health (Cutter-Wilson & Richmond, 2011). Preventing teen dating violence is a key strategy in addressing this issue, as well as education for teens to identify situations that may put them at …show more content…

Foshee et al. (2004) found that adolescents who received Safe Dates education reported significantly less physical, serious physical and sexual dating violence perpetration and victimization than those adolescents who had not. In a one year follow up study, Foshee et al. (2000) concluded that short term behavioral effects had disappeared at one year, which means adolescents were less accepting of dating violence, perceived more negative consequences from engaging in dating violence, and were more aware of victim and perpetrator services. Safe Dates is an interactive program that consists of ten 50 minute sessions that focus on helping teens understand dating abuse and how to prevent it. Safe Dates help teens learn valuable life skills such as positive communication and anger management skills. It gives teens a comfortable and confidential space to discuss issues pertaining to interpersonal-relationships, which may lead to dating

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