Mya Parry, Jenelle Forbes and Jill Forsythe hold up signs written by Crescent Heights High School students in recognition of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. - NEWS PHOTO KENDALL KING
kking@medicinehatnews.com
In recognition of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society is working with local schools and youth centres to inform teens about the different types of dating violence and promote healthy relationships.
“Teen dating violence is very similar to the violence which adults may be going through,” Peggy Revell, MHWSS community education and awareness co-ordinator, told the News. “It can come in many forms such as physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, financial and technology-facilitated abuse.”
Studies show one in three Canadian teens who’ve dated, have experienced dating violence.
“It’s very serious,” said Revell. “It has long-term affects. We know teens who experience dating violence are at high risk for depression and anxiety, they’re more likely to use substances, they’re even at higher risk for eating disorders.
“We focus on teen dating violence and healthy relationships in February especially, but it’s a conversation we try to keep going throughout the year. We want them to be able to recognize behaviour that is unsafe, to listen when something doesn’t feel right and to know they’re not alone if something bad happens.”
MHWSS staff will be giving presentations at several youth centres in and around Medicine Hat throughout the next month. They have also partnered with local school divisions to set up lunchtime info booths.
Jill Forsythe, mental health success coach at Crescent Heights High School, believes the access to information will help students understand what is and is not acceptable in relationships.
“There are way too many students who are normalizing unhealthy and abusive behaviours in their own relationships,” Forsythe told the News. “Just to let students know what their rights are… So many of them think they have to go along with what their parent wants but (we want to) let them know, just because you’re in a relationship doesn’t mean you become one person. You’re still two different people with your own rights and responsibilities and you should be able to exercise those rights, even with your romantic partner.”
For more information about teen dating violence or for support, contact the MHWSS at 403-529-1091.
