Dating Violence: Overview and School Interventions. Sally Dorman, Psy. D. Charles County Public Schools

Transcription

1 Dating Violence: Overview and School Interventions Sally Dorman, Psy. D. Charles County Public Schools

2 Training Goals Introduction to the dynamics of dating violence and its prevalence Discuss school interventions and protocol development Provide local referrals and resources Practice group lesson

3 What is Dating Violence? What first comes to mind when you think of dating violence? What is its relationship to domestic violence?

4 What is Dating Violence? U.S. Department of Justice defines it as the perpetration or threat of an act of violence by at least one member of an unmarried couple on the other member within the context of dating or courtship

5 What is Domestic Violence? Domestic violence is violence that occurs in the home or between intimate partners Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive behavior characterized by the domination and control of one person over another through emotional, sexual, physical and/or economic abuse. Over time, the abuse can increase in frequency and severity.

6 So then what is dating violence? It is essentially the same as domestic violence but occurs in dating/courtship relationships Occurs in both teens and young adults relationships Also includes same sex couples It can go undetected because teens typically are inexperienced with dating, want independence from parents, romanticized love, and are pressured to date. All this creates a situation ripe for control, intimidation, and violence.

7 Power & Control Wheel

8 From: The Teen Relationship Workbook by Kerry Moles, CSW

9 How it all plays out

10 Overview of Domestic Violence Individuals are more likely to be struck, injured or even killed in their own homes, at the hands of a parent, family member, or intimate partner, than anywhere else, or by anyone else in our society. Domestic violence occurs in all age, racial, educational, religious, and social economic levels. However, it is more likely to be reported in lower income homes (Gelles, 2003).

11 Domestic Violence Overview 85-95% of victims of domestic violence are women (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1998) 72% of intimate murders are inflicted on women (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1998) Domestic violence is the single largest cause of injury to women in the United States (American Medical Association) About 4 women a day are murdered by their intimate partners (Women s rural advocacy program, 2003)

12 Domestic Violence Overview Children from violent homes are at a 1500% higher risk of abuse (National Woman Abuse Prevention Project) Boys who witness family violence are more likely to batter their female partners as adults (National Woman Abuse Prevention Project) Increased likelihood of drug, alcohol, and teen pregnancy (O Dell, 2004) Child victims of domestic violence kill themselves at six times the national average (Jaffe, 1990)

13 Dating Violence Overview 1 in 3 high school students have been or will be involved in an abusive relationship (Bureau of Justice, 2000) 40 % of teenage girls ages report knowing someone their age who has been hit or beaten by a boyfriend (Bureau of Justice, 2000) 30-50% of female high school students reported having already experience teen dating violence (Bureau of Justice, 2000) In 1995, 7% of all murder victims were young women who were killed by their boyfriends

14 Dating Violence Overview More than 4 in every 10 incidents of domestic violence involves non-married persons (Bureau of Justice, 2000) 25-33% of adolescent abusers reported that their violence served to intimidate, frighten, or display force toward the other person (Brustin, 1995) 26 % of pregnant teens reported being physically abused by their boyfriends

15 Impact of Dating Violence on Males and Females Female youth are more likely to suffer from sexual abuse Both male and females report being victims of physical abuse Mutual abuse is involved in many relationships

16 Impact continued However, females are more likely to be physically abused, report being terrified, and suffer more serious injuries than males (Foshee, 1998) Males are more likely to report little fear of future violence, that the abuse didn t hurt, and that they found the violence to be amusing (Molidor & Tolman, 1998) Adolescent girls who reported abuse have a significantly elevated risk for substance abuse, unhealthy weight control, higher sexual health risk, pregnancy, and suicidality (Silverman, Raj, Mucci, & Hathaway, 200)

17 Dating Violence Risk Factors Was or is abused by a parent Grew up in a home with domestic violence Abused former partners Cruelty toward animals Engages in high risk behaviors including drug or alcohol use, aggression toward others, and/or are sexually active Sexually active youth are more likely to experience violence in general Large age difference between partners increases likelihood of sexual activity and sexual violence

18 Student Views of Violence What have you seen in your schools? Is violence more widely accepted by students? Are girls becoming more violent? How do male/female stereotypes contribute to dating violence?

19 Interventions: Levels of Programming Primary: School wide programs Secondary: At-risk groups Tertiary: Affected youth

20 Primary Interventions Establish school culture of safety and intolerance for violence Have policies and procedures to ensure safety, especially related to dating violence. Public service posters emphasizing social norm against dating violence and aggression Model appropriate conflict resolution

21 Primary Interventions Provide support in the classroom and through other school services: counseling, nurse s office, & after school programs Take a proactive role by providing prevention and intervention programs for students and their families Consult with community agencies; local shelter, DV agency, & CPS

22 Secondary Interventions Targeting prevention programs to students before dating begins Incorporating prevention programs into specific classes such as health is a common approach These programs are effective in increasing knowledge and changing attitudes related to dating violence but fewer have demonstrated an impact on actual levels of dating violence. Safe Dates Curriculum (8-9 grade) Healthy Relationship Workbook

23 Tertiary Interventions Primary treatment groups with affected youth. Couples counseling is not recommended Facilitators need specialized training in dating violence and group facilitation

24 Dealing with Self-Disclosure Reporting Mandate Dating violence often goes unreported Many states report it as child abuse due to the age of the victim In Maryland, if a student is under the age of 18 and being abused by a dating partner, CPS will not generally become involved unless it involves minors who are family or household members. Since the abuse may be a crime, the teen should be encouraged to seek assistance.

25 Dealing with Self-Disclosure Safety Plans: If a student self-discloses encourage them to protect themselves. Come up with a list of possible plans that the student can use Calling police Obtaining protection order if necessary Safety phone call checks with family and friends Staying out of unsafe locations including cars, deserted areas, etc. Develop a safety plan while attending school needed

26 Orders of Protection A legal order from district or circuit court that sets strong limit on the abuser s contact with the victim It is essential for school personnel to have a copy of court papers and to share this information with teachers and staff Be aware of the transportation arrangements for students When possible disrupt the abuser s schedule over the victim s if safety can still be ensured Consult with local shelters

27 Charles County Resources Angels Watch Shelter (301) Shelter Advocacy and Referral Assistance with Protective Orders Safety Planning Center for Abused Persons (CAP) (301) crisis line Counseling Support groups Safety Planning Legal Advocacy Batters Group Charles County Court Domestic Violence Office (301) Fern Brown State Attorney Office (301) Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence www. mnadv.org

28 Calvert County Resources Crisis Intervention Program Safe Harbor Shelter 24 hour Help Line Teen Line Abuser Intervention program or Abuser intervention and anger management for men, women, and teens

29 St. Mary's County Resources Walden-Sierra, Inc Point Lookout Rd. Leonardtown, MD hour hotline Walk-in office Emergency Shelter Outreach services St. Mary s Women s Center, Inc Great Mills Road Lexington Park, MD Legal services Free Representation Limited family/civil representation for separation/divorce

30 Conclusion How do participants want to proceed in their individual schools as a result of the training? Questions