Dating Violence
Charli Wilson
February is known for Valentine's Day, couples, love, flowers, chocolates, and dating. In high school, teenagers hold hands; hug; give small kisses on the lips or cheeks; wrap an arm around the shoulder or waist; etc. This can make people think that they are dating. According to Dictionary.com, dating can be defined as a social appointment, engagement, or occasion arranged beforehand with another person.
In contrast, February is also National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Dating violence is controlling, abusive, and aggressive behavior in a relationship. It can include verbal, emotional, physical, sexual abuse or even a combination. An example of verbal abuse could be name-calling or making degrading comments. Emotional abuse might include exerting power over an individual, causing him or her to experience depression or extreme anxiety. Physical abuse involves bodily harm inflicted on a person. Sexual assault is any type of sexual activity that a person does not agree to. It can include touching that is unacceptable to the victim. Another grim outcome of dating violence can be rape, sexual assault and in extreme cases, death.
Mascoutah High School held an interactive presentation on Friday, February 6th. This presentation was lead by a man named William White who was the manager of Air Force Family Advocacy Outreach. He and his wife informed the students that they would go through the scenarios that were created; based off of true stories given by other teenagers.
Mrs Lynch describes the event “There were tables set up in the Commons. After students had finished eating their lunch, if they wanted, they could come out and go through the tables. At each, there were different scenarios, like what would you do in this situation and you were dating somebody. It gives everybody an idea on what it would be like to be that person.”
She further explains, “You’ll be instructed to go to different stations throughout the room. Remember to pick up the correct number card for your character.” At each table, there were cards that followed a character’s story. The students’ had to pick the number card that theirs corresponded with. For example, if their choice were the number 3, then they would go to the next table, and pick up the number three card to learn the response, “They want to keep the scenarios under wraps so each person goes through it and they figure it out. That’s why they don’t share a lot about the scenarios, because they want the students to think about what they’re going through,”
An example of one scenario, involved a girl making dinner for her family. Her boyfriend texted and asked her to hang out with him. The person playing the female role had to choose whether to stay home with the family, or finish making dinner and go hang out with the boyfriend. The decision the female character makes in this situation would affect the choices she would make later on.
Through this simulation, perhaps some teenagers’ eyes were opened more widely to the realization of violence in dating. Students who participated in this presentation may be more selective and cautious about who they want to begin a relationship with.
Photos of the dating violence activity held at MHS k