Youth Discuss Bullying in Ten Mile, TN

Thanks to all who came together so youth could discuss bullying. Ten Mile, TN is a great place to visit. Our executive director enjoyed presenting and leading the discussion at Luminary United Methodist Church.

Bullying is not just a problem in schools but it's a marker for potential domestic violence involvement later. Bullies who learn to abuse others in school can make it a lifelong habit. Victims who are targeted may also be at higher risk for later victimization.

Kids who are victims often have trouble dealing with bullies.  Today's kids are often likely to text message or otherwise confide in their friends. Talking with an adult is crucial but it can be hard for a kid to identify an adult that they can trust.

Part of the discussion at Luminary UMC helped kids identify adults they could talk with. Kids need to know that they can go to teachers, counselors, coaches, youth directors and pastors with problems. They were also encouraged to keep telling until they get enough help that the bullying stops.

Honest, frank communication is a crucial first step toward finding a solution. No one deserves to be battered or abused.

Parents and educators can get more information from StopBullying.gov

Discussion on How Not to Date a Jerk (Jerkette) on 2/06/2011

Join us on Voices of Hope, Tuesday at 12:00 noon. We're going to be discussing the program and book called "How Not to Date a Jerk (or Jerkette).

It promises to be a great show and fits in perfectly with Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. If you have a teen or know a teen you'll want to tune-in to the show. Then, come back 30 minutes after the show ends to download the free podcast to your MP3 player.

As always, calls will be taken live on the air during the 30 minute segment. We'll have the chat room up and running throughout the show and checking our email. If you have a question just let us know. We'll be glad to ask it on the air for you or you can call in.

The url is http://www.blogtalkradio.com/voicesofhope.

Womens Issues at About.Com reminds us that every year 1:4 adolescents reports being physically, verbally, emotionally or sexually abused. Come tune into "How Not to Date a Jerk or Jerkette". It may be one of the best things that you ever do.

Blogs by survivors of teen dating violence

Our previous post talked about what we’re doing for Teen Violence Awareness Month to help raise awareness.  Being informed about it is the first step to spotting a dangerous relationship. In this article, we’re highlighting blogs and articles about teen dating violence.

The first site that you need to know about is the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline. It’s funded by the Liz Claiborne Foundation. Teens can access the helpline via phone or website. A live chat feature is available during late afternoon and evening hours. This is the place teens may want to call first when developing a safety plan or leaving an abusive relationship.

There are several blogs out that that give support to survivors of teen dating violence. One that has recently come to our attention is Life After Dating a Psycho. This survivor owned site provides support takes the guesswork out of what it’s like to be in an abusive relationship. Its light hearted way of dealing with the violence helps bring the point home that no one deserves to be abused.

The son of Elin Stebbens Waldal wrote Boy to Man; Finding Our Ultimate Purpose for English class. In it, he talks about what it is to be a man. In clear and concise language he simultaneously speaks out against teen dating violence and supports his mom. As a youth, she learned firsthand about being in a dangerous abusive relationship.

Stepping out of an abusive relationship takes guts and determination. Violence in a dating situation is never the fault of the victim. Survivors can lose sight of that. Remind them of that if someone you care about is being abused.

Don’t lose hope.  Healing from teen dating violence can be done. We believe that the above blogs may help survivors do just that.

Note: This post was updated on 12/15/11 to correctly reference the name Elin Stebbens Waldal. We are very sorry for the oversight and apologize for any inconvenience.