A new study released by the Family Violence Prevention Fund found that 44% of teens whose families have been adversely affected by the recent economic downturn have witnessed verbal or physical abuse between their parents. In addition, 67% of those affected have also experienced abuse in a relationship themselves. And these numbers have been on the rise since the economy turned sour.
In addition to the numbers cited above, the report found that 1 in 3 teens have experienced sexual or physical abuse (or threats of abuse) in a dating relationship, and almost half of teens have experienced some form of controlling behavior from their dating partner.
As a parent, it’s important to talk to your children about abusive relationships, especially considering the fact that only 25% of teens report having any type of teen dating and violence course or curriculum at school.
Talk to your teens about dating violence, and teach them that such abuse is not part of a healthy relationship. As well, remember that, as parents, your relationship with your spouse is a model for your children’s relationship choices. If you are experiencing stress due to financial troubles, don’t let that stress spill over into your spousal relationship. Seek counseling, if necessary, to keep your relationship free of strife, providing your children with a positive model of a loving relationship.
Source: http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm?aid=4049
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In addition to talking with kids about abuse in relationships, it is so important to talk with them about handling the actual abusive episode itself. Kids should be equipped with whistles at the very least to surprise their attacker and buy them a minute or two to get away. It is so sad that this economy has driven people to such desperation, but our jobs as parents is to recognize this environment and equip our kids accordingly. My website sells a personal safety alarm, similar to a whistle, that looks a lot like a key fob. I encourage girls to keep these kinds of tools on hand and ready to use at all times – not just when the “eel its dangerous”.
All the best,
D.M. Fehrenbacher