February 15, 2007   

Bill of the Week

ACR 6 (Ma, D-San Francisco) – Teenage Dating Violence

SACRAMENTO – Teen dating violence – “controlling, abusive, and aggressive behavior” in a dating relationship – is a serious and growing problem.  It can be emotional or psychological (threats, intimidation, control), physical, or sexual.  One in three teens acknowledge experiencing violence in a dating situation.  Even higher numbers report emotional or psychological abuse.

A recent study by Teenage Research Unlimited for Liz Claiborne, Inc. found the number of teens in controlling or abusive relationships has intensified due to “electronic tethers” – cell phones and computers.  Teens reported calling or text-messaging each other at all times of the day and night – without parental knowledge.  Twenty-four percent reportedly communicated hourly with a dating partner between midnight and 5:00 a.m.  From 10:00 p.m. to midnight, one-third reported calling or texting 10-30 times an hour! 

Often isolated, these teens often turn to peers – not adults –for help.  Without help, these relationships foster poor self-esteem and other risky behaviors like drug and alcohol abuse and unsafe sexual behaviors. 

Increased awareness of the problem is the first step to preventing the problem.  Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 6 (Ma, D-San Francisco) recognized last week as Teenage Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week.  Parents and friends need to educate themselves about the signs and prevention strategies.  Every teen has the right to be in a safe relationship, free from violence.

Getting help and information:

The National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline (NTDAH) (loveisrespect.org) – confidential and immediate help anywhere in the country, sponsored by the National Domestic Abuse Hotline (NDVH) and Liz Claiborne, Inc. 

Love Is Not Abuse (loveisnotabuse.com) – program and information sponsored by Liz Claiborne)

The National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center (safeyouth.org) -- a “one-stop shop” for information on youth violence prevention, sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other federal agencies