Teen Dating Violence - Research Paper Example

?Teen Dating Violence Introduction Teen dating violence and related issues are widely measured as a serious issue which is common in adults. It is significant to point out that majority of adults and young people are often unaware about the occurrence of teen dating violence. At present teen dating violence is reached in a harmful status than the people would like to acknowledge. Violent behavior related with teen dating results both physical and mental disorders among the students and it degenerates the desirable growth of teens. A Survey conducted by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) stated that “In a nationwide survey, 9.8 percent of high school students report being hit, slapped, or physically hurt on purpose by their boyfriend or girlfriend in the 12 months prior to the survey” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2009). The issue of teen dating violence is based on how teenagers look at themselves and other people. Gender roles and dating relationships play a considerable role in the process of determining behavior patterns among the teenagers. New changes in social or sexual role exhibit new circumstances for power and control and appropriate conduct. Therefore, adolescent period is generally accepted as an age of both victims as well abusers. Teen dating violence and related problems are common in adolescent period. Physical and mental transition from childhood to adulthood promotes inappropriate behavior changes. Research professionals and doctors have identified teen dating violence as physical, sexual, psychological aggression within a dating relationship. People have accepted this disorder in various forms like relationship abuse, intimate partner violence, dating abuse, relationship violence, domestic abuse and domestic violence. There are several negative consequences related with experience of teen dating violence. Aggressive behavior, hurt, physical injury, severe depression, suicide attempts, rape and death are identified as the after effect of teen dating violence among the teenagers. Professionals who engaged in healthcare activities require the formation of a healthy relationship among the teenagers and they keep in mind the necessity of preventing teen dating violence. Causes of teen dating violence Previous researchers have identified two major causes for teen dating violence among the teenagers like social and individual causes. Social cause includes sexism and violence in the media, peer pressure, isolation and mistrust, gender issues and inequality and domestic violence. Similarly, individual causes include low self –esteem, immaturity, homelessness, defective parenting and pressure on teens to date. Considering personal or individual causes for teen dating violence, one can come across low self- esteem as a significant one. Low self-esteem among the teenage women is identified as one of the major causes for teen dating violence. The problem of low self- esteem among the teenage women affects their life in two different ways. First of all, when an abuser having low self- esteem always tries to control his partner’s attitude from the time when he does not feel precious enough that his partner will be faithful. Similarly, when the victim having the symptoms of low self- esteem often believes that she is not eligible to receive friendship and love with others. Gender features have played a vital role in the process of determining teen dating violence among the young people. Professionals who worked in the field of school nurse have stated that teen males who have low self-esteem are more likely to initiate dating violence, while females with low self-esteem are more likely to become victims (Interview with School Nurse, T.S.). Problem of immaturity is another significant one which promotes teen dating violence among the teenage women. Many cases, children or teens are not aware about relationships. Large number of teenagers keeps immature emotions and not well prepared to deal romantic relationships in desirable way. Generally teenagers show violent behavior towards their partner in response to their particular behavior or reactions like jealousy and control. A teen often failed to communicate her feelings with others in proper way and these kinds of behavior problems cause severe psychological disorders. As adolescent period is considered as a crucial one in human development, considerable changes in both physical and mental level are visible in teenage life. “Therefore, it is important to recognize a spectrum of inappropriate sexual behaviors, ranging from that which is age inappropriate and unhealthy, through abusive and harmful behaviors, to that which is intentionally manipulative and victimizing” (Itzin, Taket, Barter-Godfrey, 2010, p.60-61). Sexual attraction between boy and girl or same sex in adolescent period causes the formation of behavior changes. Analyzing various causes associated with society one can comprehend the fact that sexism and violence in the media act as a substantial cause that contributes teen dating violence among the teenagers. It is clear that mainstream media portrays women in disrespectful and degrading manner. The concept of sexism and related violence in media has great influence on young people. Media strengthens the ideologies and concepts which promotes the existence of patriarchal society. Peer pressure plays a vital role among the teenagers and a young boy often tries to depict some specific image in front of his violent friends. As a result, their efforts reach in the level of violent behavior. A teenager having aggressive nature often wants to be evidence for how he handle or control his girlfriend to his peer groups. Consequently, these kinds of attitudinal changes in the side of a teenager pave the way for unexpected responses from the part of his partner. “There is a lot of pressure exerted on teens by their peers to look and act in certain ways” (Religion and violence e-learning). It also promotes isolation and mistrust as the contributory causes for teen dating violence and aggressive behavior. Teenage women who tolerate the dating violence will do risky things and that can get them in to further trouble. Majority of them may feel severe inferiority complex or the problem of self-esteem. Therefore, teenage women having the symptoms of teen dating violence think that they deserve such kinds of undesirable treatments from the part of family member as well fellow people. Susan Mary Sanders rightly observes that; “However, as with many young women who lack life experience and self-esteem, her good instincts gave way to self- doubt and rationalization” (Sanders, 2003, p. 27). The dilemma of isolation and mistrust often act as a catalyst among the adults and many cases it promote undesirable or aggressive behavior pattern. A worst thing is that people have feared that a teenage woman be aware of when she has been physically threatened or abused by a boy friend that never permits her to leave alone. Homelessness and defective parenting increases the possibility of domestic violence. As a period of emotional transition, teenage life demands care and consideration. It is crystal clear that if a teen witnessed his or her parents constantly engaged in abusive situation in home, he or she begins to generate the belief that a relationship necessitates power, control, humiliation and physical abusing. As a result a teen may follow abusive experience in his or her life and he or she practices various ways to abuse others. Poverty, chronic diseases and substance abuse from the part of parents or guardians accelerate the process of generating violent behavior. Certain childhood experience among the teenagers may prompt violent tendencies in their behavior. Risk factors for teen dating violence have been noticed to include those who coming from defective parenting, single- parent family, being members of minority groups, have the experience of being abused in physically or sexually, substance abuse, and experiencing risky sex (Fife, Fife & Schrager, 2011, p.107). Young people have family instability, and maltreatments and social disadvantage force to date in younger age and it influence the impact of dating violence. Gender roles and teen dating violence Gender appears as a significant factor to influence the causes why teenage men and women in dating violence. Studies have mentioned different areas which teen dating violence is occurred. In schools and peer groups, the possibility of emerging violent behavior looks at higher status. Peer pressures and related motivations nurture image creation among the adolescent period especially teenage males and as a result of this they often forced to exhibit control and power towards their partner. Teenagers often get vague ideas about sexual relations and these misunderstandings lead them to practice different behavior patterns like withholding from relations, jealousy, and bullying, arguing and physical abuse towards their partners. In this juncture, teens practices violent behavior for both self defending and controlling. Studies have underlined that female adolescents often fit into place in violence for self defense, while teenage males show violent behavior for controlling or humiliating their partners. Gender differences also have an effect on the collision of dating violence. “Given their often greater size and strength, adolescent males are more likely to exert greater harm on their female victims” (Powers & Kerman, 2006, p.2). The number of female teenagers who sustain injuries and demand medical assistance due to teen dating violence is bigger than male. Risk sexual experience from the part of family members or siblings causes violent behavior among the teenagers in domestic circumstances or family atmosphere. Consequences of teen dating violence Healthcare professionals and psychologists have identified that teen dating violence (TDV) is associated with defective health and psychological consequences. After effects such as physical injury, smoking, substance abuse, uncontrollable alcohol consumption, being depressed or suicidal, and severe behavioral disorder are being identified. Risky sexual experience or rape attempt paves the way for variety of sexually transmitted diseases among the teenagers. In this respect Mary E. Muscari, rightly remarks that “Adolescents involved with abusive partners report increased levels of depressed mood, substance abuse, antisocial conduct, and suicidal behavior” (Muscari, n.d). The possibility of spreading sexually transmitted diseases like HIV/AIDS is high because most cases abusers and victims were unaware about the need of protective devises in sexual relations. Medical reports have emphasized that a victim of teen dating violence or rape may experience post-trauma indications like, rage, anger, depression and flash back (Olson, 2008, p.81-82). Poor academic performance and early dropouts from schools create severe social problems. Social and emotional isolation due to teen dating violence often forced teenagers to engage anti social activities. Chronic pain and sadness prevent them to join social activities or effective communication. Teen dating violence also creates misconceptions about relationship and sexuality. Therefore Preventive methods for teen dating violence Teen dating violence can be prevented adopting various strategies. As the victims are immature they have higher tolerance for accepting any of the attempts of abuse from their partner. Dating violence involves physical, emotional and sexual abuse. So the first step to take is that make them aware of the various types of abuses they may face while engaged in dating. This task can be undertaken by their parents, teachers and elderly relatives. But the role of parents is very crucial in this regard. They should definitely give them guidance and should understand what type of a relation their child maintains. Understanding their problems and giving guidance involves communication. So communication is the first and foremost aspect of parental guidance. Reports indicate that only less than 25 percent of the teens have discussed dating violence with their parents. It shows that communication gap between the parents and the teens affect the teens badly. If there is ample communication between the two the teens could feel more comfortable in discussing their problems. Through a good communication the parents can help the teens to distinguish between the healthy and unhealthy relationships as they are immature to do the same. Besides they would be encouraged to seek help in future and help their friends who face the same problem. But unfortunately most of the parents express reluctance in talking frankly about these types of issues. But there is no need of such uncomfortable feeling, on the contrary they should facilitate themselves for assisting their children and should feel proud in guiding them through the right way (Hubbard House, 2010). Teen dating violence is a public health issue. So it should be treated seriously. Educators can do much in this regard. They can be provided with knowledge and resources regarding teen dating violence. They should be motivated to implement preventive measures in their schools. Whatever the methods may be the sole aim should be the prevention of dating violence. The educators should also understand that the teen age is the ideal time to promote healthy relations. Keeping it in their minds they can be handy to their students to build up healthy and trust worthy relationships among their peers. They can follow the following steps: Increase knowledge/awareness of teen dating violence; Increase knowledge of the impact of teen dating violence on academics; Increase the number of educators who can be models of healthy behavior; and Facilitate changes in classroom practice and changes in school climate by working with educators to modify norms that support the use of violence (Find youth info, n.d.). Various studies have been conducted regarding the prevention of teen dating violence. These scientific studies recommend that certain primary prevention strategies can reduce or prevent the violent behavior of the teens. It involves both primary and secondary strategies and advocates for the participation of the community in this process. The primary prevention tasks should begin before dating because most of the teens engage in violent actions in a playful or interactional manner. As per the study reports the girls opine that the boys use the term “play” to justify their aggressive behavior. Many of the adolescent peers are able to confuse their actions with love and devotion. So it is suggested that the primary prevention should be linked with class room education. It is also advised that the secondary prevention strategy should start with the assessment of routine of the teens. There are no differences between the in the severity of violence experienced by the teens and adults. Even though some of the victims visit health clinic authorities wink at the issues. Hence it is advisable to implement a routine screening for all women as they are widely attacked (Humphreys & Campbell, 2010, p.70.). It is definite that parents play the primary role in helping a victim of teen dating violence. They can teach the how to be respected emotionally, sexually and physically. But the general teens have a tendency to approach their peers taking it as their primary source for guidance. No doubt, it is dangerous as they don’t have access to wisdom, life experience or resources to help their friend from the trap. They can be sympathetic towards the victims. Hence it is suggested that when undertaking dating violence prevention, the teens should not only be convinced how to avoid abusive relationships but also how to help a peer in an abusive situation. I this regard, as Susan Mary Sanders opine, it is better to refer the valuable advice provided by the Dating Violence Prevention Project of the battered Women’s Shelter in San Antonio, Texas. It suggest not to be judgmental and never to blame one for the abuse as it is not his/her fault. Help him/her to find supportive adults. Assist the victim to make and carry out safety plans. Be patient to listen to his/her concerns. Continue supporting after he/ she breaks up with the partner. Finally allow the friend to take the decision even if he/she is not ready to leave the abusive partner. It is clear that these advices will help the peers to be supportive in two ways. First they can provide a sympathetic and non judgmental response. Secondly they can be handy in encouraging the victim to seek the help of adults. Role of educators The educators have a very crucial role to play in preventing teen dating violence. But the fact is that though they are well aware of the various types of dating violence they retreat from the preventive measures as they don’t have many ideas about how to deal with and prevent it. But some schools take it as a collaborative effort and conduct workshops lasting for number of days with the participation of counselors, teachers, police officers, domestic violence counselors and survivors of abuse. It is advisable to design a dating violence curriculum intervention projects. The school administrators can include outside resource personals to work with the implementation program. It is very important to invite students to discuss the problems related to teen dating violence in a workshop or classroom. These types of workshops have experienced that the inclusion of movies and novels in depicting the different aspects of the problem are really effective. Moreover a creative teacher can make the students role play or discuss the characters’ experience and thus instill the ideas deep into the minds of the learners. It will provide them better understanding and make them capable of facing such situations. Practicing all these necessitate the educators’ sincere approach to the problems of the learners and hard work. First of all the teachers should make themselves accessible to the teens not only during school times but also before and after the school hours. It is certain that the students will have a lot to discuss about their problems if they are given a chance outside the classroom. But it should be made sure that when the teen approach their teachers or counselors they should feel safe and accepted. Moreover the teachers should have a thorough knowledge about the scope of teen dating violence. Above all the educators should be very creative in teaching the learners about the teen dating violence as they are about to do the same in future. They should teach the short and long- term consequences of abusive acts and how they affect the abused and the abuser. The educators should also help the learners to recognize the signs of abusive relationships among their peers. Following all these strategies the teen dating violence can be prevented or reduced to an extent (Sanders, 2003, p.138-141). Psychological impact of Teen Dating Violence Teen Dating Violence has often been identified as leading to serious psychological problems in children. It has also been noted that such kind of violence affects the adolescents severely, and in many instances, they continue to exhibit the symptoms of psychological disorder all through their life. In this regard, the words of Callahan deserve great importance when he rightly observed thus; ‘Adolescents may be at even greater risk than adults for physical and psychological harm given their lack of experience, desire for independence, and reliance on support from inexperienced peers’ (Callahan, 2003). Callahan also underlines the fact that children who have already undergone dating violence are likely to show interpersonal violence in adulthood both as victims and/or perpetrators Observing the psychological factors one could identify a lot of psychological risk factors. One of the serious psychological factors behind the teen dating violence is low self-esteem. One should note that both males and females, who have low self-esteem, when comparing with other teenagers, are involving in dating violence. Males who have low self-esteem are more likely to initiate dating violence while females with low self esteem are more likely to become victims (O’Keefe, 1997). Therefore, one can attribute low self-esteem as one grave issue causing for teen dating violence. Another psychological disorder found out among the victims of teen dating violence is depression. As the child faces such an unexpected attack or violence from his/her dating partner, the child may not like to reveal it to the adults, and suppressing the feelings within his mind. Therefore, the child will have to undergo certain emotional as well as metal strain which leads to depression. The child may also display suicidal tendencies. Kreiter et al make an evaluation of this psychological problem and affirms that ‘Depression and suicidal thoughts have also been linked to victimization for males and females’ (Kreiter et al., 1999). However, it is not fair for one to judge that depression sprouts only as an after effect of teen dating violence. But one can be certain, by analyzing many previous incidents, that teen dating violence promotes depression as one of its psychological effects. Aggression or aggressive nature can also be included among the psychological impacts of teen dating violence. The victims of teen dating violence may express certain aggressive behavior which others regard as eccentric nature. Various factors have been identified as exerting predominant influence in leading the teenagers to aggressive nature. These include the use of alcohol and other illegal drugs, as well as risky sexual behavior, such as promiscuity and unsafe practices (O’Keefe, 1997). References Callahan, M., Tolman, R., Saunders, D. (2003). Adolescent Dating Violence Victimization and Psychological Well-Being. Journal of Adolescent Research, 18 (6), 664-681 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2009). Teen Dating Violence. Retrieved 24 Aug 2011, from . Fife, R.S., Fife, R., Schrager, S. (2011). Family Violence: What Health Care Providers Need to Know. Illustrated edition. Jones & Bartlett Publishers. Find youth info. (n.d). Dating Matters: Understanding Teen Dating Violence Prevention. Find youth info Retrieved 24 Aug 2011, from . Hubbard House. (2010). National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. Retrieved 24 Aug 2011, from . Humphreys J, Campbell J.C. (2010). Family Violence and Nursing Practice. Springer Publishing Company. Itzin, C., Taket, A., Barter-Godfrey, S. (2010). Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse: Tackling the Health and Mental Health Effects. Illustrated edtion. Taylor & Francis. Olson, G. (2008). Teenage Girls: Exploring Issues Adolescent Girls Face and Strategies to Help Them, Zondervan. Muscari, M. E. (n.d). What Should I Tell Clients About Teen Dating Violence? Retrieved 24 Aug 2011, from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/502450 Powers, J., Kerman. E. (2006). Teen Dating Violence. Cornell university, University of Rochester, New York State Center for School Safety. Retrieved 24 Aug 2011, from http://www.actforyouth.net/resources/rf/rf_datingviolence_0206.pdf Religion and violence e-learning. Teen Dating Violance. Retrieved 24 Aug 2011, from http://www.theraveproject.com/training/dv101/Teen_Dating_Violence.pdf- Sanders, S.M. (2003). Teen dating violence: the invisible peril. Peter Lang. Interview with School Nurse, T.S. I selected T.S. to interview who is a Registered Nurse. During the interview, T.S. revealed that she has more than 18 plus years of service with her Master’s in Nursing. The majority of her career was performed at the Children’s Hospital in various capacities (inpatient and outpatient primary care clinics). She worked with children from infants to 19 years of age. She is currently a School Nurse for the School District Of Philadelphia. She works with children from the age of 5 to 14 (K-8th) from the lower socio-economic background. I selected T.S. for the interview because of her strong Pediatric background and school nursing background with tweens and teenagers. These groups are where education and prevention needs to begin. I also selected T.S. because of the region she has worked, the urban, low socio-economic status, which are reportedly more at risk for teen dating violence. When questioned T.S. if she ever witnessed teen dating violence during her career? If so, how were any situations resolved? Are there any protocols or curriculum in place to educate staff to recognize, educate and prevent teen dating violence, and provide effective interventions when confronted with teen dating violence? T.S. stated she never witnessed any teen dating violence in her current or previous place of employment. She started that her at her current position there are not any protocols in place geared towards teen dating violence. The only protocols that have were towards child abuse and children safety. She stated during her employment at Children’s Hospital. She did not experience any encounters with teen dating violence, but did notice changes in the admission/ intake questions. When she began her nursing career, there were not any questions asked in reference to teens feeling safe in their relationships. When teen dating abuse began to make headlines, this was a requirement to assess during admission. T.S. could not recall any protocols that were in place at Children’s Hospital. T.S. stated, if she was ever confronted with any students and/or patients she would listen to the child’s situation, assist if she could, and refer to school counselor and or social work for counseling services. T.S. was questioned, if she believes that the challenges that our youth face with social media effects and increases teen dating violence? T.S.stated that she definitely believes the media makes it a challenge and is potentially causing an increase in teen dating violence. T.S. believes the way the media perpetuates women as objects, the lyrics in songs which teens listen to calling women “whores and bitches”, devalues women, which can cause more violence in relationships because women are seen as objects. Since T.S. has many years of expertise in working with teens, communities, and families. I questioned if she had any recommendations, goals, concerns that she ponders that could help curtail the issues surrounding teen dating violence? T.S. would recommend that there would be more education for tweens and teens to have more education geared to building self-esteem. She stated the research has shown that teen males who have low self-esteem are more likely to initiate dating violence, while females with low self-esteem are more likely to become victims. T.S. believes that promoting self-esteem will likely decrease teen dating violence. T.S. was delighted and obligedthat I had interviewed for the topic of teen dating violence. It had made her more conscious of the issue that is and has affected our youth. Although T.S. said she never encountered any patient that experienced teen dating violence, she believes if questioned she could have assisted a at risk teen suffering from dating violence. T.S. believes there needs to be more education and awareness in the nursing and educational professions that are involved in teens. T.S. stated that she will do every effort to bring awareness and education to the curriculum to her school to involve teachers, nurses, child, and the parents. Interview with School Vice-Principal, L.T. Interview initiated with questioning L.T. on her professional background. L.T. stated that her professional background has been in education for 12 years. She functioned as a high school math teacher for ten years and has two years in administration. L.S. stated that she has educated students in large comprehensive neighborhood schools in the School District of Philadelphia, as well as rural suburban school districts. The student ages ranged from 14-20. The socio-economic statuses ranked from high poverty, low class, middle class, or the upper class. When questioned L.S. if she ever witnessed any teen dating violence in her place of employment, how it was resolved, and if there were any protocols or curriculum in place for education in prevention? L.S. recalled an extreme case that occurred at an urban school she taught, when an argument escalated into a physical altercation. The male became increasing aggressive, hitting and dragging the female down the hall. The administrators immediately intervened and followed the school district’s policy code of conduct. The school had no curriculum in place which addresses teen dating violence. However, high schools provide services from agencies, which counsels students on various social issues. These services are not mandatory, but the students are aware of the availability. L.S. was questioned regarding any previous history of abuse with teens. L.S. stated there was history of dating violence with them. L.S. stated that the young lady would never report him, but L.S. confronted the young man. She informed him that if she witnessed and type of violence she would report him to legal authorities. L.S. stated after this incident the teens did receive counseling services, their parents were notified, and their relationship ended after this incident. L.S. was unsure if the teen’s parents were notified prior to this incident. This incident could have been possibly avoided it the proper education was provided to educators, parent, and teens about teen dating violence. My next question inquired whether L.S. has seen more cases of teen dating violence in certain ages, race, or socioeconomic backgrounds and if so does it play a factor? L.S. stated that the majority of her professional career has been in the urban area with teens with lowsocio-economic backgrounds, majority Afro-American, ages 14-20. L.S. stated she frequently witnessed dating violence within this group. These experiences supports the research that teen dating violence occurs more within the inner city and low socio-economic backgrounds of the Afro-American race. Although research supports one’s risk for teen dating violence and L.S. frequently witnessed teen dating in this target population, L.S. reported that she does not believe that the demographics of a population nor one’s economicstatus play a factor in this phenomenon. L.S. believes that the majority of youth are exposed and influenced by the same elements, social networks and media. L.S. went on to further states there has been an increase in teen dating violence due to the social networking and media. L.S. stated that children use these sites to meet people that they do not know. L.S.has witnessed children on these social media sites, giving personal and private information and these events usually end up in violent acts. The final question for the interview asked L.S. if she had any recommendations, concerns, or goals that could possibly the issues surrounding teen dating violence? L.S. would recommend that parents become more involved in their children’s lives. She also believes that schools should have services available to students that are a part of their daily schedule, which they could meet and discuss their issues. L.S. stated she is very concerned with that lack of funding in education, which prevents service for our youth. Service Learning Project The field portion for my topic of teen dating violence included a teen girl’s Sunday School group from AWC. The purpose of my field visit was to provide education, resources and awareness to the girls regarding teen dating violence. The group was rather small only 4 girls. All girls were 18 years of age and just graduated high school. Three were Afro-American and one Caucasian. I introduced my topic and my goal, which was to educate them on teen dating violence. I gave them a pre-test to assess their views and experiences with dating violence. Then to open the topic for discussion, I presented my poster presentation. The center of the poster was Chris Brown and Rhianna. They were a celebrity teen/young adult couple that made media headlines approximately two years ago with dating violence. I thought this would be an excellent topic to “break the ice”. I could not believe that all of the girls said it was Rhianna’s fault and she provoked Chris by looking through his cell phone; she probably hit first. We had a detailed discussion regarding their views, the signs of dating violence, the signs that your mate may an abuser, how abuse may affect your health, the cycle of an abusive relationship, and we watch some public service announcements on teen dating violence. The girls were very open with their feeling about the videos. They all felt that some of the videos were too unrealistic. I explained these are real case scenarios. They all started of trivial, but could end up fatal if not addressed and stopped. All girls admitted to some form of abuse. One girl C.J. experienced text message abuse. A.B. experienced just recent physical (pushing ) abuse that had escalated from minor incidents. D.H. had a recent boyfriend who was controlling, stalking and used social media as a source to abuse her. She broke it off after too many incidents of dating abuse. She and her parents had to get a restraining order and warrant for his arrest. C.B.had similar experience as D.H. , but C.C. still communicates with her former abuser. L.R. experienced the most severe case of emotional, verbal, and physical abuse for over a year. During the videos, L.R. said repeatedly on a few “that sound like me”. I closed our session with L.R. discussing how she felt during some of those experiences, how she feels now and how she broke up with him. She said she felt very low, but claims she is better now. She never told her mother. Only one girlfriend knew the details and told her to leave him and tell her mother, but L.R. refused. She continued to date him and suffer from his controlling, jealous, and abusive behaviors. We finally ended by giving them all a teen dating booklet that contained information on healthy dating, resources, a list of website to address problems that might have from past, current, or future dating relationships. In closing I told them that and form of dating violence is NOT acceptable. If they were to experience any issues do not be a silent, speak out, get help, and leave. Love is not painful and does not hurt. Analysis The research, interviews and field portion of this senior project all show that teen dating violence is a phenomena that has, is, and will continue to affect our youth. Much education and awareness is needed in great numbers, which is evident from the interviews and field project. The health care, education system, communities, and teens are still partially ignorant to the factors and consequences surrounding teen dating violence. Teen dating violence will continue unless education and awareness is brought to the attention of society, the government, parents, health care workers, educators, and counselors. In order to make a change, we all must take a stand to prevent the cycle of abuse and save lives. Read More