Dating Abuse Affects One in Five Teens
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Hazelden Foundation logo. (PRNewsFoto/Hazelden Foundation)
CENTER CITY, MN UNITED STATES
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CENTER CITY, Minn., March 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Studies show
that one in five teenagers in a serious dating relationship reports being
physically abused by their partner. This issue is so serious that several
states have passed laws specifically addressing teen dating abuse.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061128/CGTU038LOGO)
Hazelden Publishing, the leading publisher of evidence-based violence
prevention programs for students in first grade through 12th grade,
understands the significance of preventing dating violence and has
published Safe Dates, the only evidence-based program that addresses this
important issue. Safe Dates helps teens recognize the difference between
caring, supportive relationships and controlling, manipulative, or abusive
dating relationships.
"There are schools all over the United States that are implementing
Safe Dates," said Sue Thomas, expert on prevention and anti-bullying
products, Hazelden Publishing. "When implemented with fidelity, research
shows that schools and community organizations can see a significant
reduction in physical and sexual dating violence."
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), teens involved in
an abusive dating relationship are more likely to do poorly in school and
often engage in unhealthy behaviors, including drug and alcohol use.
Dr. Rodney Hammond, director of the CDC's division of violence
prevention, stated, "Reducing dating abuse requires effective prevention
tools that are scientifically based. Recognizing the lack of such tools,
CDC funded the development of the Safe Dates program. We hope that the
lessons learned from the program can be used by other communities in their
efforts to prevent violence."
An ideal component to any middle or high school curriculum or
community-based program, Safe Dates targets attitudes and behaviors
associated with dating abuse and violence and works to change those
attitudes and behaviors. Safe Dates was selected for the National Registry
of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP), and received high ratings
on all criteria.
ABOUT HAZELDEN -- Hazelden, a national nonprofit organization founded
in 1949, has helped tens of thousands of people reclaim their lives from
the disease of addiction. With plans to celebrate its 60th Anniversary this
year, Hazelden offers the nation's most comprehensive approach to addiction
by addressing the full range of patient, family, and professional needs,
including treatment and continuing care for youth and adults, research,
higher learning, public education and advocacy, and publishing. It has
facilities in Minnesota, Oregon, Illinois, and New York. For more
information, please visit http://www.hazelden.org and http://www.hazelden.org/safedates
