Yesterday, we shared with you our visit to Liz Claiborne’s “A Time To Talk” Day, which deals with domestic violence, digital abuse and dating violence awareness and prevention by bringing together experts, teens and parents from varying fields and walks of life to chat with the media and get the word out. Well, we gave you tons of resources so you can raise your IQ on the subject matter, but what would that be without actionable steps from someone who is definitely qualified to help you with your awareness and prevention efforts where it really counts… in your own home. 41% of high school freshman and seniors experience abusive dating behaviors, so it’s important to take action now and follow some of the great steps Dr. Jill Murray shared with us during her interview.
Dr. Murray has spoken before Congress in Washington, D.C. on behalf of a teen dating violence bill as an invited guest expert and has given press conferences on the subject at the National Press Club in the same city. She is the author of best-selling books, including, BUT I LOVE HIM—Protecting Your Teen Daughter From Controlling, Abusive, Dating Relationships—which has been used as a textbook in countless high school and college courses.
It’s amazing how violence in young relationships is so prevalent… I also wonder about not so much about keeping my daughter away from a violent, physically abusive relationship… but what about a relationship where she feels like she has to please her boyfriend. I worry about dependence. I worry about that first love that she feels would be too painful to lose… My girls are only 5 and 6 but I look at my 19yr old sister and see her so eager to please and keep her boyfriend happy… afraid to wake him from a nap or to cook a burnt meal. He isn’t abusive… but what about control issues? Ugh… raising girls is not going to be easy…
Oh god I lose sleep at night worrying about this, being the father of 3 girls. I am hoping that my reputation for being a little “tapped”, being a former Marine, and bearing the title of Wacky Dad might help avoid problems! Visit http://www.wackydads.com to learn more!