Cause Of Teen Dating Violence In Florida

Today, homicide is the second leading cause of death for people between the ages of 10 and 24; when discussing youth violence the range is extended beyond 18 and in to the mid twenties (CDC). In addition to murder, non-fatal injuries are another large part of the picture of youth violence. In 2007, 668,000 young people between the ages of 10 and 14 were treated for violence related injuries at hospital emergency rooms (CDC). In 2007, a large representative sample of the country’s high school students were surveyed; 35.5% of students surveyed answered ‘yes’ when asked if “they had been in a physical fight in the previous twelve months”, and 4.2% of students surveyed answered ‘yes’ when asked if they had been “in a physical fight one or more times in the previous twelve months that resulted in injuries that had to be treated by a doctor or nurse (CDC). As this survey was conducted with a representative sample, it helps to give one a good picture of the aggregate youth violence problem in the United States of America.

However if a teen is a victim of dating abuse, they can serve long term and short term negative effects on a developing teen. Often teens receive messages about how to behave in a relationship from their peers, most commonly an adult they look up to or are around a lot i.e. parents or guardians. Unfortunately, all too often these examples suggest that violence is acceptable in a ‘normal’ relationship; therefore that negativity is conditioned into the teen’s mind, which results in an acceptance of their partner becoming violent in their

IntroductionIn recent history, dating violence has become a paramount issue in American society. With the rates of domestic violence on the rise, much research has been conducted that provides evidence that violence during dating relationships in the teen years is a strong contributing factor to later domestic violence. Current research is revealing that a far larger percentage of teens are suffering from some amount of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse in their dating relationships. Studies have shown that both those who engage in the violent behaviors, as well as those who are the victims of these acts are more likely to be involved in violent relationships in the future. The significant number of individuals involved in these

like gender, social class, sexual orientation, and other aspects of life. With this social attunement

ADV has been associated with mental health concerns (e.g., depression), substance use, and negative views of school. One particular concern is that ongoing dating violence in adolescence is associated with intimate partner violence later in life” (Colbert, Draucker, & Martsolf, 2012, pp. 1-2). Adolescent dating violence is a serious issue that dramatically impacts the teens that are exposed to this trauma. This issue affects teens on a daily basis that causes psychological, physical, and emotional abuse in teens’ lives on a daily basis. For example, some of the teen dating violence include characteristics, such as emotional or psychological abuse, physical violence, and sexual abuse or violence. “Emotional or psychological abuse consist of verbal or nonverbal behaviors, such as name-calling, insults, criticism, stalking, and humiliate. Physical violence consist of hitting, punching, slapping, pushing, and choking. Sexual abuse or violence consist of attempted or forced sexual activity when a partner does not consent or is unable to do so, abusive sexual contact, and verbal sexual harassment” (Miller, Payne , Vasquez, & Ward, 2013). In addition, there are many other consequences and factors that are associate that are categorize as dating violence. Consequently, majority of teens does not consider the following characteristics as being abusive.

Humiliation, jealousy, accusations, threats, possessiveness, overdependence and withdrawal of attention are other signs of this severity of violence (“The Facts about Teen Dating Violence”). “Of tweens (age 11-14) who have been in a dating relationship, 62% say they know peers who have been verbally abused by a dating partner” (Liz Claiborne, Inc/Teen Research Unlimited, 2007). Frequently, verbal and emotional abuse contains the use of technology. People abuse the use of the internet, computer, cell phones, email, etc. is all agencies of abuse. “Their battleground becomes the telephone and social media--where put-downs, name calling and jealousy manifest in angry phone calls and Facebook posts” (Duret). Some do not fully realize the effect words can have on a person. Words hurt. Next, sexual violence in teen relationships is the highest on the list. Dangers may include non-consented touching and kissing, forced sex, or pornography. As stated on the website loveisrespect.org, “girls and young women between the ages of 16 and 24 experiences the highest rate of intimate partner violence—almost triple the national average” (Dating Abuse Statistics). These issues can lead to unplanned pregnancy, attempted suicide and serious emotional instability. Staying alert to these issues not only is important to one’s safety, but can potentially be helpful to a future acquaintance or relationship.

Intimate partner violence (IPV; commonly referred to as dating violence in adolescence) is a serious public health problem in youth (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). Decades of empirical research have clearly demonstrated that having a history of IPV is associated with substantial physical and emotional costs, including depression, anxiety, anger, substance use, risky sexual behavior, cognitive impairment, chronic pain, injury, sexually transmitted disease, and suicidality (Campbell, 2002; Coker et al., 2002; Exner-Cortens, Eckenrode, & Rothman, 2013; Malik, Sorenson, & Aneshensel, 1997; Silverman, Raj, Mucci, & Hathaway, 2001; Straight, Harper, & Arias, 2003; Wolitzky-Taylor et al., 2008). Equally alarming is the high prevalence of IPV, with an estimated 10-20% of youth having experienced physical or sexual violence (Eaton, Davis, Barrios, Brener, & Noonan, 2007; Foshee et al., 2009; Shorey, Cornelius, & Bell, 2008) and even higher rates when examining at-risk samples or considering less severe forms of violence (Orpinas, Nahapetyan, Song, McNicholas, & Reeves, 2012; Wolfe, Scott, Wekerle, & Pittman, 2001). For example, empirical research has demonstrated that sexual minorities, particularly youth, are at increased risk for IPV (Dank Lachman, Zweig, & Yahner; 2014; Reuter, Sharp, & Temple, 2015).

During the month of February, National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention takes place. In recognition of this month many states pushed social media campaigns to bring awareness that would hopefully result in prevention. The whole idea behind this campaign during February is to educate teens in dating violence. The importance to prepare others who may encounter an individual within a violent relationship is also highlighted. In 2015, Hall reports that nearly one and three young people will experience some sort of abuse in their relationships. The largest number of young girls likely to experience this trauma is between the ages of 16 to 24 (Hall, 2015). Most of these ages fall into the category of young adults, making the movement focused more on that age group. One of the issues presented with young adults is the lack of knowledge in dealing with dating violence. Educating this lifespan group is extremely important to prevention but it is also important to inform mentors the best way to address abuse. It was reported that 80% of school counselors feel unprepared to address incidents of abuse (Hall, 2015). The importance of communication and listening is stressed throughout the interview and the need to make the teenager feel comfortable enough to come forward. Therefore, if leaders of adolescents are not informed to do just that, then a portion of young adults will be trapped in

32). Other factors include psychological and behavioral characteristics like hyperactivity, impulsiveness, risk taking behavior, poor concentration and low IQ. Relationship issues with family members such as violence in the home, low family cohesion, low socioeconomic status and even single parent households can all put youths at greater risk for violence. People, especially youths, are often influenced by their peers. If a person associates themselves with the wrong crowd or becomes part of a gang, they are likely to engage in violent behavior. Urban areas tend to have higher crime rates in general, so it’s no surprise that youth violence would be higher in these neighborhoods. Another factor that can lead to youth violence within a given community is the level of policing that takes place. A lack of police presence or enforcement of the law can negatively impact deterrence and instead provide opportunity for deviant behavior. One last risk factor I will mention is the culture of violence that exists with technology. Exposure to violence on television, on the internet, in movies and in video games can increase the risk of youth violence. This is a controversial subject, and I personally don’t like it when people use it as an excuse for their behavior. However, studies have shown that violence in countries without television increased after television had been introduced into their culture (WHO, 2015 p.38).

Research on adolescent dating violence suggested that females were more likely than males to be victimizes by their dating partners (Roscoe & Kelsey, 1986). However currently some studies have reported similar dating violence rates for men and women (Arriaga & Foshee, 2004). Some studies have reported similar dating violence victimization rates for males and females (Arriaga & Foshee, 2004). According to a recent study of approximately 2,500 students attending two lU.S. universities, 24% of males showed physical violence against a partner, 32% of females showed physical violence against a partner, 57% of females committed psychological abuse against a partner, and 50% of male respondents committed psychological abuse against a partner (Gover,

For most teenagers, dating can play an essential role in their social development and psychological advancement. For teens, being able to build loving and healthy relationships with their peers is crucial to forming and maintaining intimate relationships as they approach adulthood, (Grych & Kinsfogel, 2010). Violence in teen dating relationships has become a commonality and can potentially be a very serious public health issue, (Jouriles, Grych, Rosenfield, McDonald, & Dodson, 2013). Previous research has found, an increase of adolescence demonstrating violent behavior and aggression toward their companion during relationships, (Jouriles, Mueller, Rosenfield, McDonald, & Dodson, 2012). In addition, emotional teen dating violence is much more

“Nearly 1.5 million high school students across the country experience physical violence at the hands of a dating partner each year” (Duret). Teenage dating violence is on the rise. Due to recent advances in technology, abuse issues are more prevalent; technology allows room for students to lash out over text messaging and through social media. However, teen violence can be prevented. The government has established laws and campaigns to educate and protect victims. Teenagers go through many changes during their adolescent years and peer influence can make it hard to decipher between right and wrong. However, by high school, teenagers should be able to determine and understand healthy relationships; unfortunately, teenage dating violence statistics continue to rise at alarming rates.

As a school counselor, the school social worker (SSW) can assist students identified as victims or perpetrators of teen dating violence by practicing the ethical duty of reporting all incidents to school police and/or local authorities. Often times, students do not understand the importance of reporting teen dating violence to authorities due to fear from the legal system or the possibility of their parent/guardian finding out or not understanding their experience. As a counselor, the SSW can assist students in bridging communication barriers about dating violence with their parents, assist students in understanding the prevalence of teen dating violence, and assist students in understanding why an intervention is needed to prevent dating

Teen Violence is a big dilemma in today’s society. Violent behaviors usually start from family and peers, as well as teens observing it at there neighborhoods or communities. These behaviors are reinforced by what youth see on television, on the Internet, in video games, movies, music videos, and what they hear in their music. When children are disciplined with severe corporal punishment or verbal abuse, or when they are physically or sexually abused, or when they witness such behavior in their home, it is not surprising that they behave violently toward others. Teen Violence has had such an impact in our youth today that it leads many destructive things and that’s why we have so much violence today.