Teen Dating, Sex and Abuse

July 9, 2:42 PMBaltimore Parenting ExaminerMia Redrick

  *  69% of teens that had sex by the age of 14 reported some type of sexual abuse .  33% of this  group indicated that they experienced  physical abuse in some way.

 *  40% of children between 11 and 12 years old reported that their friends had been victims of abuse in relationships.

 *  1 out of 5 teens surveyed between 13 and 14 years of age reported that their friends are victims of abuse  (e.g.,  being struck by a boyfriend/girlfriend).  Additionally, they reported that 50% of their friends have been verbally abused in relationships.

 *  10% of teens surveyed had sex before 14

 *  20% of teens surveyed had sex between the ages of 15 and 16

 *  1/5 of the teens surveyed said that parents had no idea of the abuse

 *  72% of teens reported that boyfriend/girlfriend relationships begin before age 14

 *  51% of teens knew the harmful signs of an abusive relationship

 *  Countless numbers of teens said that they have become victims of abuse using IM, Paging, e-mailing.

 The trend toward teen abusive relationship has prompted Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch to lead an initative with the National Association of Attorney Generals to introduce educational programs in states across the country about preventing abuse while dating.

 These statistics are alarming.  When teens accept this dating behavior as the norm then the possibilities for healthy and loving experiences diminish.  This survey illustrates two important issues: Our teenagers are exposed to abuse more than we know, and 40% of teenagers before the age of 12 are exposed to abuse in relationships.
 

 Weigh In.  What do you think about these numbers?  What have your teenagers been saying about dating and abuse?  What have you seen while observing teenagers on dates?  Who is responsible for this current state of affairs?

 Live fully,

 Mia