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Teen dating is group's focus |
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Thursday, 14 February 2008 |
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By Lynda Hollenbeck
Courier Staff A youth organization in Benton is concerned about a serious problem — teen dating violence.
In keeping with this concern, the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council is sponsoring Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week.
Mayor Rick Holland has issued a proclamation officially designating this week for the observance.
Tables have been set up in the Benton High School cafeteria for the youth council members to distribute literature on the issue,including material provided by Safe Haven, the local shelter for domestic violence victims, said Angela Ross, one of the youth council’s advisers.
“They will be distributing information during all of the lunch periods at the school today and Thursday, and we’ve provided Mr. Dedman (John Dedman, school principal), with a DVD from Break the Cycle, another facility that deals with this problem,” Ross said
Candace Chandler of the youth council is chairing the task force that has worked on this issue for two years, Ross noted.
The material the youth will be distributing includes copies of the Dating Bill of Rights, which states:
“I have a right to:
“Ask for a date.
“Refuse a date.
“Suggest activities.
“Refuse any activities, even if my date is excited about them.
“Have my own feelings and be able to express them.
“Say I think my friend is wrong and his actions are inappropriate.
“Tell someone not to interrupt me.
“Have my limits and values respected.
“Tell my partner when I need affection.
“Refuse affection.
“Be heard.
“Refuse to lend money.
“Refuse sex any time and for any reason.
“Have friends and space aside from my partner.
“I have the responsibility to:
“Determine my limits and values.
“Respect the limits of others.
“Communicate clearly and honestly.”
The mayor’s proclamation notes that teen dating violence is a reality for many teenagers and an issue that many parents are unaware of. It points out that dating violence can be physical, sexual or verbal and nearly one in five teenagers in a serious relationship has reported being slapped, pushed, hit, threatened or coerced by a partner.
The proclamation notes that city officials recognize the dangers of teen dating violence and support the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council and other organizations that work to educate and advocate on behalf of these victims.
Elimination of teen dating violence must be achieved through cooperation of individuals, organizations and communities, the proclamation notes.
The observance itself “provides an excellent opportunity for citizens to learn more about preventing teen dating violence and to show support for the numerous organizations and individuals that provide critical advocacy, services and assistance to victims,” according to the proclamation.
The proclamation also points out that the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council has worked in conjunction with the Saline County Safe Haven Domestic Violence Angel Training program to further educate themselves and others about teen dating violence.
Holland encouraged all residents to join in supporting the efforts of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council to educate their peers on the subject “so as to put an end to this form of abuse.”
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