Teen dating violence is being recognized nationally this year. It is a movement in attempts in making healthy relationships known to teens, and, hopefully, curb the domestic violence trend in the future. We would all love to be able to see, someday the trend completely disappear; if we can start making that trend disappear why not try to reach the young now and create new thoughts of having awareness of dating abuse and that love is respect so the red flags will go up immediately and hopefully they will stay away from those in power and control and gravitate towards those who desire a healthy teamwork in their relationships. The Montel Williams’ Show today was a good example of making that awareness known. See below for a synopsis posted on his site:
As posted on 4/24/07 on Montel Williams’ site and aired on the same day:
Dating violence crosses all racial, economic and social lines. Most victims are young women who are also at greater risk for serious injury. Sandra claims she is so scared of her abusive boyfriend that she just recently found the courage to file an order of protection. Sandra and her mom Dawn live in fear that he will break the protection order and come after them. Johnika was also terrorized by her boyfriend. He beat her, emotionally abused her, burned her alive, and left her for dead. Elizabeth’s 18-year daughter was killed, allegedly by her abusive ex-boyfriend, last year. What are the warning signs for these harmful relationships and what can you do to protect yourself or a loved one from falling victim to dangerous love? After being abused by a boyfriend, Carrie and her friends Shaina and Chinonye did something amazing in order to help other young women. Sheryl Cates, the CEO of the National Domestic Hotline who recently launched www.loveisrespect.org will be joining us. Her tips will provide parents with valuable information to recognize the signs of abuse that cannot be missed! Nicci and Emily are also former victims of dating violence. Find out what they are doing now to help others from being victims.
For more information please visit: www.teensagainstabuse.org.
Sandra Her on again/off again boyfriend has allegedly attacked and beaten her several times
Dawn Sandra’s mother
Johnika She has been repeatedly beaten by her ex-boyfriend
Diane Johnika’s mother
Elizabeth Her 18-year-old daughter, was killed, allegedly by her abusive ex-boyfriend, last year. Please join the fight against teen violence by joining Jennifer’s Hope. Currently you can do so by going to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jennifercrecente For more information please log onto: www.jennifershope.org
Carrie She was in an abusive relationship but then started TEAR (Teens Experiencing Abusive Relationships) to help other teen girls
Shaina A friend of Carrie’s and also is a founder of TEAR
Chinonye She is friends with Shaina and Carrie and together they formed TEAR
Nicci She volunteers at www.loveisrespect.org. and is a survivor of teen dating abuse
Emily She also volunteers at www.loveisrespect.org and uses her own experiences of abuse to help other teens
Sheryl Cates She is the CEO of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. She recently launched loveisrespect.org, the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline, in conjunction with Liz Claiborne, Inc. For more information visit: www.loveisrespect.org
We need to have a way to prevent teenage dating violence. Several people are unaware of this abuse and I think that we should incoorporate a program in schools that teaches the dangers of teenage dating violence and how to spot the signs. If a friend sees their friend hurting thier boyfriend or girlfriend, they would have more of an influence to stop. My proposal is the IRY, I Respect You will do all this.
Sandra Vanderschants was NEVER beaten or ABUSED! HONEST! If you all only knew that girl. I dont think its right for guys to get bad rep if they didnt do anything! I understand for the ones that DID get hit and abused!!!