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Tonya Papanikolas ReportingA new survey shows violence in dating relationships starts at a young age. Teenagers are reporting surprisingly high levels of dating abuse and violence. Schools across the country, and right here in Utah, are trying to address the issue.
Currently, Utah high schoolers have the option to take "Adult Roles and Responsibilities." The class curriculum includes dating abuse. In addition, four Utah high schools are participating in a national program this week called "Love is not Abuse."
"If you're in a serious relationship, do you have to know everything that a person is doing?"
Students at Roy High School are getting a lesson on what is considered abuse when it comes to dating.
Candace Thurgood, Roy High School Teacher: "Most of the kids don't realize what constitutes as abuse. The verbal is the most prevalent."
It may seem high-schoolers are a little young for the lesson, but a new nationwide survey found one in three teens said their partner strongly controlled them in what they do and where they go. One in four said a partner had called them names and put them down. 30-percent say they've feared for their physical safety, and 20-percent of teens say they've been hit, slapped or pushed by a partner.
Ryan Peterson, Junior: "I didn't realize that as many boys did this."
Sereesha Wood, Senior: "I think it's pretty bad. I've had actually a couple friends who have been in abusive relationships, and before that, I thought it never happened."
Tara Martin says she was in an abusive relationship with mental and emotional abuse.
Tara Martin, Got Out of Abusive Relationship: "If he did something wrong and I tried to say, 'What about you,' he'd turn it to make it look like it was my fault."
She says at first it was very hard to say no when he'd pressure her into doing something.
Tara Martin: "You really trust this guy, so you think, 'I guess it's okay.'"
But teacher Candace Thurgood is trying to get the students to realize it's never okay.
Candace Thurgood: "I think they have to change internally. They have to realize they're worth more."
Tara Martin: "You can't necessarily learn it on your own unless it's pointed out to you."
The young women we talked to said thanks to friends who were persistent, they and the victims eventually realized the relationships were unhealthy and got out.
