National surveys have estimated that one in 3 U. S. teens experiences dating abuse at some point during their teens. These incidents range from a slap on the cheek to homicide. Break the Cycle and other advocacy groups say too many states do not treat dating violence with appropriate seriousness. Sheryl Cates, CEO of the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline calls attention to how difficult it is to deal with this challenging issue. “If you’re a parent, you want to know if your child is in danger, but on the other hand, teams won’t be anonymity, to not have to tell their parents,” she said. “It’s very complicated, trying to find a balance between a victims rights and parents right to know.”

Sometimes it is crucial for teens to be able to seek protective orders on their own. They may have strained relations with their parents or come from a home where domestic violence already is occurring.  Kristine Korobov, an attorney with National Center for the Prosecution of Violence against Women, says is important in such instances for courts to provide an attorney or other expert to guide the user through the legal process.

This is further evidence of how sexually toxic our society has become your children. My Parents First Program is designed to help parents begin a dialogue with their children about sex when the child is very young. Opening the subject between parents and children enables parents to provide the protection of information that properly warns young people about the risks of dating violence.  You can learn more about this program at: www.teachthetruthaboutsex.com.