Violence amongst Teenagers - Research Paper Example

? Public Health Leadership Interventions for Teen Dating Violence Public Health Leadership Interventions for Teen DatingViolence Introduction Problems of various sorts have plagued society for as long as humans have existed. The issues that we face today are simply extensions of different behaviors that have manifested themselves through the centuries. In the midst of all this, teenagers are especially plagued with issues that are difficult to deal with. This particular age group often sees themselves as bordering on adulthood, yet they still need, and desire, the protection and safety that their parents and other concerned adults provide. One particular rite of passage for this age group involves the social institution of dating. In such a setting, teenagers are alone and often vulnerable. As such, teen-dating violence has become a problem in many segments of society, and is also one that is commonly overlooked or ignored. Mayes (2008) contends that, “Teen dating violence is a common and often overlooked problem in schools” (p. 37). It is important, therefore, that public health professionals, including medical doctors and psychologists, understand the implications of this problem and work to take measures to provide adolescents with the tools and resources needed to minimize their chances of becoming a victim. While there is much work to be done in this area, many studies have been conducted that take an in-depth look at effective intervention strategies aimed at reducing teen dating violence. What follows is a review of various published material that examines just this. Problem Statement The problem is that the incidences of teen dating violence are on the increase and public health professionals are ill equipped to intervene and reduce the number of victims in their community. Review of Scholarly Literature It must be noted that violence amongst teenagers in a relationship is a common problem and is growing into a serious health concern. It is estimated that about 9% of adolescents experience some form of physical violence during a dating relationship every year (Jouriles, et. al, 2011, p. 302). This leads us to the conclusion that the rate might even be higher, as many communities under report such incidences. Violence that takes place in a dating relationship can be severe. The consequences are certainly evident in the short-term, but the long-term effects can be even more devastating. These consequences include, but are certainly not limited to, serious physical injuries, rape, and death. Studies have also shown that even playful innuendos, such as sexual coercion, undertaken by one partner in a relationship, can have disastrous long-term consequences on the victim and threaten their very psychological well-being. For these reasons alone, it is important for medical practitioners, and other concerned stakeholders, to understand the events that lead to teen-dating violence and to make it a societal goal to reduce such incidences. Dating violence is often condoned because one party believes that they deserved the action that was forced upon them. This is a type of victimization syndrome that has pervaded society for centuries. Maas, et. al., notes, “Teen dating violence is a prevalent form of youth violence that has gained increasing attention from researchers” (2010, p. 131). A further study of female students in the 9th-12th grades revealed that 20% were victims of physical or sexual abuse in dating relationships. This is alarming and indicates with near certainty that many cases are simply going unreported. Studies also show that more girls than boys are victims and that there are more cases of violent behavior in dating relationships in urban areas and in rural communities (Fredland, 2008, p. 95). Weisz and Black (2009) recently concluded a thorough examination of effective intervention strategies aimed at reducing the number of incidences of teen dating violence. During the course of their study, they discovered that teens are not likely to discuss dating violence with concerned adults, but it is plausible that they will discuss such incidences within their own peer group (Weisz and Black, 2009, p. 12). When confronted with any sort of aggression while in a dating relationship, only 8% of high school students went to a formal source for help, such as teachers, counselors, medical professional, or the police. This has remained a relatively stable baseline to consider, as these same numbers are reported in numerous other studies as well. Most literature indicates that, “Adolescents rarely turn to parents or other adults for concerns related to violence in their dating relationships” (Weisz and Black, 2009, p. 12). Owing to the fact that young people are hesitant to report incidences of dating violence, adults in the helping profession often find it difficult to intervene. They may suspect that violence is occurring, but must be reticent before approaching the couple in the event that there suspicions are unfounded. Through various studies, however, it has been concluded that the gender and ethnicity of the teen dating violence victim might lead to developing a more stable source of help and assistance. Not only are females more prone to becoming victims of teen dating violence, but also they are more likely to seek help. The majority of high school students in one recent study reported that they did talk about the violence with someone, if only a member of their own peer group (Baker & Helm, 2010, p. 157). Since friends are often the first people to hear about teen dating violence incidences, it is important to give them strategies designed to help intervene and to provide help. This is the current push that published studies seem to be advocating. The rationale is that concerned adults can no longer simply wait for young people to come to them with such a serious problem. It is now time for them to use their skills to work with teenagers and to teach them how to be a friend and provide assistance to any person who comes to them with a tale of violence in their dating relationship. One must not forget that boys are also victims of violence in a dating relationship. It was recently reported that Mexican American boys are more likely than other social groups to be victims on physical violence at the hands of their girlfriends. They are also the least likely of all gender and ethnic groups to report such violence. The assertion is that they would be stigmatized and ridiculed by their own peer groups if such information were to leak out. In addition, many claim that such incidences are simply a part of a relationship and that such violence is normal and should be not be cause for too much concern (Black & Weisz, 2009, p. 13). These are the thought processes that leaders in the public health sector must work to overcome. Studies also reveal that teenagers have a different notion of what constitutes dating violence than health professionals do. Recently, studies have even revealed that dating violence is occurring online via various social networks. Teens appear to be growing increasingly desensitized to violent acts as they simply view them to be commonplace and a part of any normal relationship. While health professionals have attempted to reduce violent episodes in intimate relationships, their efforts are largely thwarted by societies growing acceptance that such behavior is normal and simply a part of the normal course of courtship (Baker and Helm, 2009, p. 155). While adolescents often have a different view of what constitutes acceptable social behavior, it is perhaps shocking that health professionals today lack a true understanding of teen dating violence themselves. Cutter-Wison and Richmon (2011) notes that, “Healthcare providers are uncertain about effective screening and intervention methods” (p. 379). This makes it vital that studies be conducted that continue to expound the working definition of teen dating violence and to determine effective screening and intervention strategies. With the number of studies that have been conducted in this area, social scientists and leaders in the health profession have begun to put together a set of best practices aimed at reducing the number victims of teen dating violence. Initial findings are positive, as one recent study a renewed awareness towards the problem and a change in attitudes that are leading to a growing unwillingness to accept violence as a normal part of the dating relationship (Kervian & Obinna, 2010, p. 362). Dating violence is now defined as a type of physical or verbal altercation that involves two people who are involved in a close and intimate relationship. Researchers hope to continue to better understand the dynamics behind such violence in an effort to determine how to best intervene and avoid more young people becoming victimized by senseless acts that should never be perpetrated on by a person you love and respect. Conclusion Violence among teenage dating partners must continue to be taken seriously. It is not a problem that is going to go away if ignored. Herman (2009) effectively points out that, “Current research demonstrates that a significant percentage of teens have experienced some degree of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from a dating partner” (p. 164). As such, it is imperative that health professionals understand the statistical evidence that proves the existence of this problem and that they are equipped with the tools and resources that they need to effectively intervene. Society tends to view domestic violence as an adult issue. Nothing could be further from the truth, as evidenced by the twelve studies referenced for this review. Violence amongst intimate teenage partners is perhaps more prevalent in some gender and ethnic groups than it is among the same adult population (King, 2002, p. 74). There is a definite need for further research into this important social issue. A definition for teenage dating violence must be further developed, adolescents need to be better informed about how to report being a victim, and their peers need to be given resources to provide assistance. In addition, health professionals need to be taught the signs to look for that indicate teenage dating violence and then be trained in proper intervention strategies. For this to occur, further studies need to be conducted to determine the viability of such definitions and strategies. That will be the purpose of a future study to be conducted by this student. . References Baker, C., & Helm, S. (2010). Pacific youth and shifting thresholds: Understanding teen dating violence in Hawaii. Journal of School Violence, 9(2), 154-173. Bonomi, A., Anderson, M., Nemeth, J., Bartle-Haring, S., Buettner, C., and Schipper, D. (2012). Dating violence victimization across the teen years: Abuse frequency, number of abusive partners, and age at first occurrence. BMC Public Health 12(637), 1-12. Cutter-Wilson, E., & Richmond, T. (2011). Understanding teen dating violence: Practical screening and intervention strategies for pediatric and adolescent healthcare providers. Current Opinion in Pediatrics, 23(4), 379-383. Fredland, N. (2008). Sexual bullying: Addressing the gap between bullying and dating violence. Advances in Nursing Science, 31(2), 95-105. Herman, J. (2009). There’s a fine line: Adolescent dating violence and prevention. Pediatric Nursing, 35(3), 164-170. Jouriles, E., Grych, J., Rosenfield, D., McDonald, R., and Dodson, M. (2011). Automatic cognitions and teen dating violence. Psychology of Volence, 1(4), 302-314. Kervin, D., & Obinna, J. (2010). Youth action strategies in the primary prevention of teen dating violence. Journal of Family Social Work, 13(4), 362-374. King, J. (2002). Dating violence: A 12-day prevention program for seventh graders. Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences, 94(4), 74. Maas, C., Fleming, C., Herrenkohl, T., and Catalano, R. (2010). Childhood predictors of teen dating violence victimization. Violence and Victims, 25(2), 131-149. Mayes, T. (2008). Student with no-contact orders against abusive classmates: Recommendations for educators. Preventing School Failure, 52(4), 37-44. Tharp, A., et.al (2011). Dating matters: Strategies to promote healthy teen relationships. Journal Of Women’s Health, 20(12), 1761-1765. Weisz, A. & Black, B. (2009). Help-seeking and help-giving for teen dating violence. Prevention Researcher, 16(1), 12-16. Read More