Travis teens host talk on respect, dating violence Published March 1, 2013 By 1st Lt. Erik Menjivar 60th Medical Operations Squadron TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- As teenagers, taking those first steps in the dating world can be nerve wracking. Dating can bring a host of new emotions, both good and bad. But there is one thing that dating should not be associated with: violence. February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. At Travis, an effort is under way to raise awareness of this issue. Travis teens will present "Let's Talk Respect" at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Teen Zone, which aims to help local teens understand what healthy and unhealthy friendships look like. Led by Latrise Muchison, 60th Medical Operations Squadron family advocacy outreach manager at David Grant USAF Medical Center, and Harmonee Ellis, a domestic abuse victim advocate, the talk show also will teach teens what to do if they think someone is in an abusive relationship. Muchison claims providing young people with education about healthy relationship and dating violence risk factors is essential in helping to prevent dating violence. "It's very helpful to get teens involved with prevention efforts because they bring a different perspective as well as their real life experiences," Muchison said. "Teens are more receptive of hearing information from their peers." Many have heard of or witnessed adults in violent relationships, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dating violence is becoming an epidemic in teen relationships. In 2011, the CDC discovered that 9.4 percent of high school students reported being hit, slapped or physically hurt on purpose by their boyfriend or girlfriend. According to Break the Cycle, a nonprofit organization that works to end dating violence, one-quarter of high school girls have been victims of physical or sexual abuse. Dating violence does not only include physical violence but includes emotional abuse as well. Emotional abuse can include belittling, controlling a person's actions, name calling and threatening violence. For a teen in an emotionally abusive relationship, this could mean that he or she could not pick and choose friends, clothing or activities. According to the CDC, the consequences of dating violence can be just as serious as the violence itself. "Victims of teen dating violence are more likely to do poorly in school and report binge drinking, suicide attempts and physical fighting," a CDC report said. "Victims may also carry the patterns of violence into future relationships." For a teen experiencing dating violence, reaching out for help can be difficult. Some may think that what they are experiencing is a normal part of being in a relationship. For these reasons, it is important for peers and witnesses to help those in danger. If you suspect a teen is in a violent relationship, Sue Brown, teen coordinator of the Teen Zone, said there are signs to look for that could indicate someone is in trouble. "Sometimes there are phone calls that appear controlling, like telling their partner who they can see or hang out with," Brown said. "Also, some teens can appear quiet and withdrawn." According to Brown, the Teen Zone can be a resource for those in violent relationships to get help or just speak to someone. "We discuss the type of relationships they should value, such as those where they respect each other," Brown said. "We listen to their conversation, and they feel they can get an honest answer." Travis is working to reduce instances of dating violence through its Smart Moves program, which gives teens information to make the right choices regarding drugs, sexually transmitted diseases and dating violence. Military Family Life counselors also work to reduce and report dating violence incidents. The MFLCs are split into adult and child specialties with the child MFLCs tending to children from 1 month to 18 years old. Both of these resources provide education regarding healthy relationships. The Travis MFLCs can be reached at 637-6218 or 637-6125. Additional resources for those in violent relationships include speaking to a chaplain, going to the emergency room at DGMC or calling Family Advocacy at 423-5168. Local resources that provide various services and support to domestic violence survivors in Solano County include LIFT3 Support Group at 425-1867 or SafeQuest Solano at 1- (866) 487-7233. For more information regarding dating violence, visit the CDC's teen dating violence prevention site.