Newswise — Football games, dances and first loves are usually part of the cherished memories of growing up. However the rising incidence of relationship violence is putting increasing numbers of teens, especially girls, at risk.
Terri Weaver, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology at Saint Louis University, says that much like adult domestic violence situations, teen dating violence can take many forms.
"Abuse can be physical, emotional or sexual, occur in either casual and long-term relationships and effects people from all socioeconomic, racial, ethnic and religious groups," Weaver said.
But an overriding factor in both adult and teen relationship abuse is a pattern of over-controlling, abusive behavior that usually escalates over time. The cumulative effect often leaves the victim emotionally traumatized, confused and, particularly in the case of teenage girls, isolated.
"When a teen is abused, she often becomes isolated from family and peers because of the controlling behavior of her abusive partner," Weaver said.
Because teenagers generally don't tell people when they are involved in a violent relationship, Weaver says it is important for the adults around them, including parents, teachers and health care professionals, to be alert for both the physical and emotional signs of an abusive relationship.
"Be alert for changes in teen's behavior " whether it's a change in academic performance, emotional functioning, or interests. There is no single indicator that abuse is occurring but changes like these can signal that the teen is experiencing something stressful, opening the door for further questions," Weaver said.
In collaboration with researchers and medical professionals at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center, Weaver has developed a carefully scripted set of questions that can help identify abuse and allow opportunities to respond and provide information about safety planning, hotline numbers and other resources to provide assistance.
"We've reduced barriers to talking about unhealthy relationships by incorporating these discussions into the pediatrics health visit; our approach de-stigmatizes this sensitive subject," Weaver adds.
Whether it's a teen-friendly, trendy silicone bracelet imprinted with the acronym B.R.A.V.E. Teens (Be Real About Violence Education) or a pamphlet filled with information and resources, Weaver believes reinforcing the message that abuse is never acceptable is critical.
"In developing the materials and messages for this project, we knew we had to make them relevant. The messages and products were 'teen-tested' and 'teen-approved.'"
About Terri Weaver: A graduate of the University of Florida and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Weaver has done groundbreaking research on the inter-relationships between stressful life experiences and associated mental and physical impact. In addition, she has done extensive research on battered women and abusive family situations. Weaver also was widely interviewed by local and national news sources about the effects of the 9/11 attacks, the Beltway sniper shootings and the Shawn Hornbeck kidnapping case. She currently serves as associate editor of the Journal of Traumatic Stress and has published a number of papers on interpersonal violence. Visit http://www.drterriweaver.com to learn more about Weaver's research.
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