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Myth It can't happen to me.
FACT More than 1 in 10 teens experience physical violence
in their dating relationships.
Myth Jealousy and possessiveness are a sign of true love.
FACT Jealousy and possessiveness are a sign that the person
sees you as a possession. It is the most common early warning sign of abuse.
Myth Teen dating violence isn't really that serious.
FACT Thirty percent of all women who are murdered in this country
are killed by their husband or boyfriend. According to a Mass. study, that same
high percentage applied to teen women, aged 15-19, as well. Also, 60% of all
rapes reported to the rape crisis centers are committed by acquaintances, and
the majority of victims are aged 16-24.
Myth Men are battered by women just as often as women
are battered by men.
FACT The US Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that 95% of
the reported incidents of assaults in relationships are committed by males.
Myth Alcohol or drugs cause men to batter.
FACT Many men who batter do not drink heavily or use
drugs, and alcoholics or drug users do not beat their partners. Further,
batterers who do drink and use drugs don't necessarily give up battering
when they give up these habits. While some abusers do beat their partners
while they are under the influence, drugs and alcohol often act as their
excuse.
Myth Victims bring on the abuse themselves. They
ask for it.
FACT Perpetrators believe they have the right to use
abuse to control their partner and they see the victim as less than equal
to themselves. The victim has no control over the abuser.
Myth If a person stays in an abusive relationship,
it must not really be that bad.
FACT People stay in abusive relationships for a number
of reasons: fear, economic dependence, confusion, loss of self-confidence,
not recognizing that what's happening is abusive, belief that the abuser
needs their help or will change.
Myth Most batterers are bums or crazy people.
FACT Batterers are found in all classes and types of
people and all kinds of relationships: rich, poor, professional, unemployed,
black, white, urban and rural, gay or straight.
The Clothesline Project Outreach & Education Program 1999
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