Mission Viejo Police Services is partnering with Community Service Programs, Inc. (CSP) on Tuesday, May 24 to educate parents about the current dangerous trends of teen relationships.
The free program is at 7 p.m. at the Norman Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way.
The need for such a program is there. National statistics report that one in three high school students have been or will be involved in an abusive relationship, and 80% of girls who have been physically abused continue to date their abuser. Only 33% of teens who are in an abusive relationship ever tell anyone about the abuse.
“When we think of the safety of our teens, we think about potential problems with traffic accidents, drug abuse and ‘stranger’ sexual assault,” said Crime Prevention Specialist Tammy Descoteaux. “However, there is short and long-term damage to be concerned about when considering the effects of interpersonal communication without respect for oneself and others. We need to focus our attention on these statistics to reduce and prevent them from climbing.”
Chief of Mission Viejo Police Services Lt. Mike Gavin agrees.
“These are issues that are important to address for the overall health and well being of our youth,” he said. “Attention should be given to ‘friendships’ as well as ‘boy-girl’ relationships, as this risky behavior is not limited to dating.”
CSP health educator Michelle Mar works with youth throughout Orange County and said teens often misinterpret language and actions as “caring” even though they are unhealthy.
“For example, most teens I come in contact with feel that jealousy is a sign of caring,” Mar said. “Parents can play a huge role in preventing teen dating violence by talking to their kids about this issue.”
Statistics also show that more than 60% of tweens, ages 12-13, reported having been – or know someone who has been – a victim of emotional, verbal and physical violence.
“I believe that when people think of ‘teen dating’ the tendency is to think 16 year olds, so this statistic is even more worrisome,” Descoteaux said.
The presentation is appropriate for parents of (male and female) elementary, middle and high school students. Parents will learn what they need to know to prevent abuse, recognize the signs and to intervene in unhealthy relationships.
For more information or to RSVP, call Mission Viejo Police Services at 949-470-8433.
