Thursday, February 17, 2011

Straight Talk with Teens




During my recent research on teen dating violence, I have come to realize something startling. It seems that many young men who are abusive don’t realize the extent of trauma their actions inflict on their victims. My last blog post on sexting covered the story of Philip Alpert who accepted his guilt but didn’t understand why his punishment was so severe. He insisted that what he did to his ex-girlfriend wasn’t traumatic, but rather simply embarrassing. While watching Dr. Phil’s episode, ‘Teens Obsessed with Love,’ which is part of his campaign to ‘End the Silence on Domestic Violence,’ I realized that this was a pattern among many abusive young men.  The relationship featured on the show was of a young couple, Samantha and Aron. While Aron was being interviewed by Dr. Phil, he denied being abusive. Aron repeatedly said that he loved Samantha and wanted her back. He denied his stalking of Samantha, which was witnessed by Samantha’s mother and friends. Aron said that the two of them “would play around” but it wouldn’t hurt anyone. 

These two situations raise a red flag on what’s in store for our future generation of adults if we don’t take actions to educate youth about healthy relationships. This was my first experience seeing an abuser being interviewed. I never thought that I would feel sorry for anyone that could be violent to another person, but I felt sorry for Aron. As I watched him, I didn’t see a violent person, I saw a young man in need of a lot of help. Dr. Phil offered Aron the opportunity to receive therapy after the show with the hope that he will recover and someday have a normal, healthy relationship with someone. 

Aron agreed to leave Samantha alone, but Dr. Phil stressed that Samantha and her family need to be very careful and vigilant. He emphasized the Separation Assault phenomenon. Separation Assault is when the abuser realizes he has lost control and tries to get it back with violence. Research has shown that incidences of assault increase after the victim leaves the relationship.

Dr. Phil talked briefly about a few signs parents need to look out for in their teen’s relationships. The first sign is isolation; is your teen becoming reclusive? Is he/she not talking to anyone but their partner. The second thing is emotional extortion. The abuser threatens their victim emotionally, which usually plays out as: ‘if you don’t do this I’ll harm myself.’ Dr. Phil said that teens usually hide the abuse from parents because they are embarrassed and ashamed that this is happening to them. Because teens don’t seek out help, the problem can quickly escalate. 

On his show Dr. Phil spoke about a few great campaigns. The first is a program called ‘Respect Works’ which is a part of his campaign to ‘End the Silence on Domestic Violence.’ He is partnering with Hazelton Pubilshers and Break the Cycle to incorporate a healthy relationship curriculum in 1000 schools across the U.S this fall. Another program, also by Break the Cycle, is called, ‘Let Your Heart Rule.’ In this program people will wear heart stickers on their arm to encourage talks on teen dating violence. The last program mentioned on the show was of a National PSA contest. Verizon and Break the Cycle are hosting a contest to encourage teens to produce an awareness PSA in their own ‘language,’ in order to create the greatest possible impact by their peers. 

Dr. Phil’s partnership with the National Network Against Domestic Violence and commitment to domestic violence education has brought a great deal of attention to a topic that is often taboo.   Talking about domestic violence on national television is an important step towards creating better outcomes for healthy relationships. Please watch Dr. Phil throughout this year while he brings more domestic violence issues to light.


14 comments:

  1. Peace and blessing thank you for this helpful information. I talk to lots of teens and they don't know the warning signs of being in a abusive relationship or just knowing someone that is in a abusive situation. It is up to us to teach the world and educate them on a higher level and i like to thank everyone that have a part on making the world more aware of this serious matter.I am a motivational speaker and a survivor of domestic violence and i volunteer my time to helping others and reaching out anyway i can.I have a page on facebook through tara eyes and a video on you tube: divine3231. Take care and Keep being strong and We shall overcome this violence that is hurting each other.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thankyou for posting this. I was in an abusive relationship 4 months ago and I realized he had all the signs. This is very informative for a person who's looking for answers and also a way out.

    ReplyDelete
  3. We are so grateful Dr. Phil is bringing attention to Relationship Violence; it is important to start conversations as early as possible. Through his mid-day show, I hope parents are able to see that dating violence is a huge problem for teens. SafePlace's Expect Respect Program is part of a national program, Start Strong, which works to educate young teens and parents about dating violence. Through Start Strong Austin, we work to educate and engage Austin teens to talk about the issues with their peers through theatre, art etc.

    The National Start Strong website has great conversation starters for parents too. www.Startstrongparents.org.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you so much for your comments. Dr. Phil is definitely doing amazing work on ending domestic violence. Thank you all for your work in the DV field. I will tweet your websites to our followers so together we can spread awareness on this very important issue.

    ReplyDelete
  5. This is a nice and really interesting post! I myself is not aware about the signs of relationship violence but when I read your blog I'm so thankful about it. You really brought a nice and inspiring information to each of us.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Aw, this was a ѵerу good ρost.
    Fіndіng the time and actual effοrt tо create a reаlly good article… but
    ωhat can I saу… I heѕitate a lot and never seem to gеt nearly аnythіng
    dοne.

    My ωeb pаge ... instant cash loans

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanκs for anу other informativе site.
    The place elsе may Ι am getting that kind of info writtеn in such a perfect wаy?
    Ι've a undertaking that I am just now working on, and I've
    been on the look out for such informatiοn.

    my homepage - Payday Loans

    ReplyDelete
  8. Неllo Theгe. I founԁ your blog using msn.
    This iѕ a really ωеll written artiсle.
    I will be sure to bookmarκ іt and come back to read more οf your useful informatіon.
    Τhanks for the post. I'll certainly comeback.

    My page; Same Day Payday Loans

    ReplyDelete
  9. I alwаyѕ used to геаd post in news ρaреrѕ but now as I am a user of nеt thus
    from now I am usіng nеt for aгticles, thanks to wеb.


    Mу ρage; payday advance

    ReplyDelete
  10. This iѕ a really ωеll written artiсle.
    I will be sure to bookmarκ іt and come back to read more οf your useful informatіon.
    Τhanks for the post. I'll certainly comeback.

    shop handbook
    black friday sale 2015
    black friday sale
    seo











    ReplyDelete
  11. Just Information, I have a new way to earn a lot of money on youtube, read more here https://goo.gl/Hhz7Aa

    ReplyDelete