Statistics
Resources
Reference these key facts as needed to support discussions throughout the lesson.
Video #1:
Research shows that adolescents who can openly communicate with their parents (or caregivers) on a regular basis—and feel like they are being heard—are less likely to engage in a wide range of risky behaviors or to experience dating violence. (https://www.hhs.gov/ash/oah/adolescent-development/healthy-relationships/parents-child/communicating/index.html#ftn3)
Research shows that children and teens who have positive relationships with their parents tend to have better academic outcomes, are less likely to exhibit problem behaviors, and have better mental, social, and emotional well-being. (https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Child_Trends-2004_12_01_RB_ParentTeen.pdf)
According to a Lifestyle poll that surveyed 100 mental health professionals, communication problems were cited as the most common factor that leads to divorce (65%), followed by couples' inability to resolve conflict (43%). (www.yourtango.com/experts/rochelle-bilow/want-your-marriage-last)
Video #3:
Nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner in a single year.
One in three adolescents in the U.S. is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner, a figure that far exceeds rates of other types of youth violence.
One in 10 high school students has been purposefully hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend.
Girls and young women between the ages of 16 and 24 experience the highest rate of intimate partner violence — almost triple the national average.(www.loveisrespect.org/resources/dating-violence-statistics)
Domestic violence occurs in LGBTQ relationships at similar or higher rates than in the general population. The abuse experienced by LGBTQ individuals can be equally or more damaging.
Studies show that gay men and bisexual women are more likely to experience severe physical violence than their straight counterparts, including being beaten, burned, or choked. (https://www.hrc.org/blog/common-myths-about-lgbtq-domestic-violence)