Rise in Dating Violence May Be Linked to Recession

A new study released by the Family Violence Prevention Fund found that 44% of teens whose families have been adversely affected by the recent economic downturn have witnessed verbal or physical abuse between their parents. In addition, 67% of those affected have also experienced abuse in a relationship themselves. And these numbers have been on the rise since the economy turned sour.

In addition to the numbers cited above, the report found that 1 in 3 teens have experienced sexual or physical abuse (or threats of abuse) in a dating relationship, and almost half of teens have experienced some form of controlling behavior from their dating partner.

As a parent, it’s important to talk to your children about abusive relationships, especially considering the fact that only 25% of teens report having any type of teen dating and violence course or curriculum at school.

Talk to your teens about dating violence, and teach them that such abuse is not part of a healthy relationship. As well, remember that, as parents, your relationship with your spouse is a model for your children’s relationship choices. If you are experiencing stress due to financial troubles, don’t let that stress spill over into your spousal relationship. Seek counseling, if necessary, to keep your relationship free of strife, providing your children with a positive model of a loving relationship.

Source: http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm?aid=4049

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LA County Drags Its Feet on Child Safety

The LA Times today published a heart-breaking article on the inadequate care that county agencies provide at-risk children. In one case, county agencies had over 100 contacts with a little boy who subsequently died as a result of neglect and abuse. In those 100 contacts with the boy, county representatives failed to recognize that the boy’s mother and girlfriend had both been abused as children, had both committed violent crimes, both had been ordered into mental health treatment, and both had missed numerous appointments for the boy with county doctors.

Through this and other examples, the article points out that there are huge holes in the county’s services that need to be filled before more children suffer or die.

Source: http://www.latimes.com/news/la-me-childabuse14-2009jun14,0,2655822.story

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Increase in Family Murders May Be Related to Economy

Starting in 2007, the US has seen an increase in the number of family murders where a man takes the life of his wife and children before committing suicide. Katherine von Wormer, in an article posted at WomensNews.org, says that these types of case were vary rare until about two years ago, now they are happening at the rate of almost one a week. She goes on to site factors like the economy that put pressure on males to provide for their family. When the father cannot provide for his family because of unemployment, and other economic factors, he may feel like the only way out is to take his own life and protect his family from economic, psychological, and social hardship by taking their lives as well.

In addition, von Wormer points out that often these cases arise where there is an abusive or controlling relationship. She also points out that some of the abuse and subsequent killing may stem from societal pressure to “be a man” and what it means to be a “real man.”

Abuse is an issue that we regularly address, and it is always important to be aware of abuse in all its forms and to contact family members and law enforcement if you are the victim of abuse or you suspect that someone you care about it a victim.

Source: http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm?aid=4025

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