There is often immense pressure amongst teenagers to have the best relationship. This often stems from a variety of sources, like personal insecurities and societal narratives about what a relationship is meant to look and feel like. For many developing teens, these forces can lead to unrealistic expectations about what they will encounter in their relationships. They can also lead teens to become overly dependent on their partners for external validation.
The culture of the 21st century has fundamentally transformed teen relationships, bringing with it new benefits and challenges. Increased access to the personal details of others via digital communication has led to youth knowing more about their peers and partners than ever before.
The month of June is a time when many celebrate Pride and the milestones achieved in the fight for equality, visibility, and the freedom to love openly. It is also a time to reflect on the challenges the LGBTQ+ community has faced throughout history and continues to face today. From discriminatory legislation, barriers in accessing basic services, and for some, losing their support system. LGBTQ+ community members are also susceptible to encountering obstacles that threaten their safety and well-being.
Netflix’s second season of Worst Ex Ever is difficult to watch—not because the violence is shocking, but because it is familiar.
The first episode, which chronicles the case of Wade Wilson, the so-called “Deadpool Killer,” exposes something advocates and survivors have always known: many perpetrators do not begin with murder. They begin with coercion, strangulation, sexual assault, stalking, and intimate partner violence. And too often, they are allowed to continue escalating because systems fail to respond.
Leaving an abusive partner is already an incredibly difficult decision many survivors make, and when children are involved, it becomes exponentially more complicated. According to a report carried out by the U.S. Department of Justice, “[thirty to sixty percent] of perpetrators of domestic violence also abuse children in the household.”
As we enter the month of February, we want to recognize it as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Teen Dating Violence (TDV) and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) between teens is often overlooked. However, as we honor survivors and recognize their resilience, we’d also like to highlight the prevalence of this issue.
While most people look forward to big sporting events for the love of the game, the energy, and the celebration, there is another side to these large-scale events that often goes unnoticed. For survivors of domestic violence and for individuals experiencing human trafficking, this time can be especially difficult.
According to American Addiction Centers:
In 2016, alcohol caused approximately 90,000 domestic violence deaths worldwide.
Alcohol or drug use is involved in 40-60% of domestic abuse situations.
More than half of individuals who abuse their elder parents (age 60 or older) are dependent on alcohol or drugs . . .
Self-care, often misconstrued as a luxury, takes on a profound significance for survivors of domestic violence. It becomes a transformative act of survival, resistance, and healing. In the face of chronic stress, trauma, and isolation, survivors often find little space for their own needs. However, self-care in this context becomes revolutionary, a means to reclaim control over one’s body, boundaries, time, and voice, instilling a sense of empowerment and hope.
