DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH: TEEN DATING VIOLENCE

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. Although there may be many who do not think such violence occurs in our beautiful valley and others who do not want to discuss such “sordid” matters, those are the very reasons that Congress designated this month to hold such public discourse. Domestic violence continues to live in the shadows and because of this phenomenon, continues to be epidemic in this country. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that one in three women and one in four men can expect to be a victim during their lifetimes.

Even more hidden is the violence that occurs between teens in relationships. According to the CDC, “teen relationship violence is defined as the physical, sexual, psychological, or emotional violence within a dating relationship, including stalking. It can occur in person or electronically and might occur between a current or former dating partner.” The CDC reports that 22% of women first experience some form of partner violence when they are between the ages of 11 and 17. And, yes, this abuse also happens right here in our own back yard. Consider the following case history.

Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People’s (PHP’s) Domestic Violence Prevention Advocate first met with “Katie” when she was a senior at the local high school. As seniors prepared for graduation, in a campus classroom, Katie recounted numerous incidents of physical abuse at the hands of her boyfriend. Katie expressed how she felt trapped in the relationship and was afraid to leave. Although she had many friends and was close to her parents, she was afraid to share her experience for fear of being judged and blamed. She repeatedly said, “It is not that easy, when you are threatened.”