By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — BrightHouse advocate Kristi Busatti acknowledged the importance of teaching about dating violence when teens and young adults are just starting out.
"Some of the warning signs, the big ones are, if you see a dating partner that's extremely jealous, that often isolates their dating partner from family and friends," Busatti said. "If they have an explosive temper and constant mood swings, they're putting down their dating partner, very possessive and checking their cell phone numerous times and repeated texting, those are some really big warning signs."
There are many different types of dating violence.
"There's four big types of dating violence," Busatti said. "The most common one, because that's what people can see, that's physical violence. You can see scars and bruises. Emotional and verbal violence is hidden, you don't see it. It is invisible, but really, the scars are not invisible to the victim and survivor. They run very deep and they often take a lot longer to heal and recover from. Sexual abuse also occurs, but digital abuse is a big thing, too now, with technology. Those are again maybe signs you may not see. The constant threats a dating partner might send via text."
One in three teens in a relationship can be texted up to 30 times an hour by a dating partner.
"They're constantly wanting to know where their partner is, who they are with, when they're going to be back," Busatti said. "Those are all big types of violence that you see in the teenage years."
Busatti has been working at Hutchinson High School to let students know what to look out for and what to avoid in dating relationships. She has been teaching the Relationship Bill of Rights, it is listed below, with assistance from respect2all.org.
I have the right…
…not to be abused – physically, emotionally, or sexually.
…to be treated with respect.
…to say no and be heard.
…to express my own opinions.
…to private time and my own space.
…to have friends of my own.
…to hear about my strengths and assets.
…to ask others for help if I need it.
…to live a violence-free life.
…to change my mind, to fall out of love, and live with no threats.
…to accept a gift without having to give anything in return.
…to pursue my own special interests – and not be criticized for pursuing them.
…to have my needs considered as much as my partner’s.
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