Domestic Abuse Among Teens
Posted at: 02/10/2010 6:30 PM
| Updated at: 02/10/2010 11:07 PM
By: Katie Nordeen
KNordeen@wdio.com
"Possessive behavior tends to escalate. It doesn't plateau, and it doesn't get better over time," said Shannon Jarecki, Children's Program Coordinator for the Center Against Sexual & Domestic Abuse (CASDA).
Jarecki spends a lot of time educating teens on the warning signs of a destructive relationship. According to her, they include checking text message and e-mails, calling constantly and showing jealousy.
"A lot of times that's misinterpreted as a sign of affection or as, 'hey that's someone who really cares for me,'" Jarecki said.
Oftentimes, the behavior escalates into physical abuse and the national statistics are troubling.
According to the Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WCADV) 1 in 5 high school females reports having had an abusive dating partner. The group also says 80 percent remain in the relationship.
Still, the abuse often goes unrecognized and therefore is under reported. Experts agree that in order to address the issue, education is key.
A bill called, "The Healthy Youth Act" is making it's way through Wisconsin Legislature. It would require schools to teach students about healthy relationships and the warning signs of those that are destructive.
Several groups are looking to introduce a similar bill in Minnesota, however so far there is nothing established |
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