Travis observes Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nicole Leidholm
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and the wing commanders from the 60th and 349th Air Mobility Wings gathered February 9 to sign the Teen Dating Violence Awareness proclamation at Travis Air Force Base, Calif.

“This topic is important because it affects youth all across the United States,” said Kristin Criner, 60th Medical Operations Squadron family advocacy outreach. “The importance of the proclamation signing is to bring awareness to this issue across Travis and it starts by having leadership support where we have a need in our community.”

According to the Center for Disease Control, one in 10 teens reports being hit or physically hurt on purpose by a boyfriend or girlfriend at least once, while one in 10 teens reports they were kissed, touched, or physically forced to have sexual intercourse when they did not want to at least once by someone they were dating.

“Teens often think some behaviors, like teasing and name calling are a ‘normal’ part of a relationship, however these behaviors can become abusive and develop into more serious forms of violence,” said Capt. Susanna Castleberry, 60th MDOS family advocacy officer in charge. “Many teens do not report it because they are afraid to tell friends and family. Often due to embarrassment or shame, teens do not disclose abuse to others and remain in relationships for fear of how others will react.”

Castleberry spoke with a teen from the community who said she was afraid her boyfriend would break up with her and that her friends would make fun of her.

“Teen Dating Violence has been seen to affect pre-teens as young as 11 to 12 years old or starting in the 7th grade and those experiences can carry on into adulthood,” said Criner. “Teen Dating Violence is not just a teen issue. It is a serious issue that not only affects teens, but it has an effect on parents, teachers, friends, family members and the overall community. With this awareness month, it will hopefully spark those conversations, educate people about healthy relationships and break the cycle to end teen dating violence.”

Some warning signs for teens in a violent relationship include:

·         Apologizing and making excuses for a partners behavior;

·         Loss of interest in activities the individual use to enjoy;

·         Isolation from friends and family members;

·         Insults or putdowns about the individual or people he or she cares about;

·         Jealousy of others who pay attention to them;

·         Getting too serious too quickly;

·         Thinking parents don’t like them or blaming the individual when he or she treats the person badly;

·         Controlling behavior such as checking up on constantly, calling and texting or demanding to know who the person has been with;

·         Not accepting responsibility for a boyfriend or girlfriend’s actions;

·         Casual mentioning of violent behavior or laughing it off as a joke;

·         Displays of loss of temper; history of bad relationships;

·         Pressure to engage in sexual activity;

·         Striking or breaking objects and unexplained injuries or explanations offered that don’t make sense.

According to Castleberry, youth who experience dating violence are more likely to experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, engage in drug or alcohol use and antisocial behaviors and may have thoughts of suicide. 

“A person can refer anyone to Family Advocacy or any local resources to report and receive services,” said Criner. “We also encourage self-determination and for people to self-report.”

Resources include the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), the National Centers for Victims of Crime 1-800-FYI-CALL and the National Dating Abuse Helpline 1-866-31-9474. There is also an online resource, www.loveisrespect.org, which includes an overview of the issue, quizzes for teens to determine if they are experiencing abuse as well as a 24/7 live chat feature. Youth can also reach out for help by texting “loveis” to 22522.

Additional resources for those in violent relationships include speaking to a chaplain, going to the emergency room at David Grant USAF Medical Center, the Travis Airman and Family Readiness Center or the Teen Zone or calling Family Advocacy at 423-5168.

“Dating violence is more common than many people think,” said Castleberry. “It is important to continue to raise awareness of teen dating violence and encourage teens to speak up and to feel comfortable reaching out for support.”

Two events are scheduled be held at Travis to help raise awareness about teen dating violence.

On February 16, there will be an “In Their Shoes, Teen Dating Violence” activity at the Teen Zone at 4:30 p.m. to give teens the chance to engage in discussion about dating violence while participating in an interactive event and  learning more about the issue.

On February 23, the Travis Bowling Center will host a “Strike-Out Teen Dating Violence” event at 4 p.m. with the Family Advocacy Program, Travis Family Homes and the Travis Teen Zone to raise awareness of teen dating violence. This event is open to everyone with base access and is free to the first 40 teens who register. To register, call The Teen Zone at 707-424-3131, visit https://www.facebook.com/TravisAFBHomes, or email Kristin Criner at kristin.criner.ctr@us.af.mil.