Partner violence in teen relationships at alarming levels
Australian teenagers are facing alarming levels of violence from their intimate partners. New data reveals almost a third of 18- and 19-year-olds were abused by a partner in the previous year. Researchers says parents and peers can hold the key to keeping teens safe.
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00:00 Relationships can be formative, but for many teens they're not idyllic.
00:07 I was 16 and I was in year 10. I had a boyfriend who was the same age and he was violent with me.
00:15 The first incident he slapped me across the face out of nowhere.
00:18 A week later we were at the local shopping centre.
00:21 He pinned me against the wall near the toilets with his hands on my throat.
00:25 New data shows Sarah's experience is sadly commonplace.
00:30 Almost a third of 18 and 19 year olds experienced abuse from a partner in the previous year.
00:36 Around a quarter experienced emotional abuse, while others reported physical and sexual violence.
00:42 The rates of emotional and physical abuse were similar in men and women,
00:46 but sexual abuse was more prevalent among young women.
00:50 Dr Carly O'Donnell from the Australian Institute of Family Studies believes most Australians would be shocked at the findings.
00:58 Teen relationships can often get diminished as puppy love or not something that's serious,
01:04 but the threat of violence and abuse in these relationships is serious.
01:08 Researcher Dr Carmel Hobbs has interviewed teens in Tasmania.
01:12 She says some of their stories are horrific.
01:15 One young person whose partner fired a gun at her.
01:20 We're talking about the use of tools, like garden tools used in physical violence, choking.
01:27 Teens are also vulnerable to abuse through technology, such as the use of tracking apps and social media.
01:34 Researchers say friends and family can play a key role in preventing violence in teen relationships,
01:40 watching out for red flags and keeping lines of communication open.
01:44 If they don't approach you, it is okay to approach them, but remember to remain calm.
01:48 It might be quite distressing to hear this.
01:50 Helping to set up healthy relationships from the beginning.
01:53 tuning.
01:53 [BLANK_AUDIO]