SOURCE:Mary Kay
DESCRIPTION:
Mary Kay and Loveisrespect.org recently released the stark results of the 2014 Truth About Abuse Survey. With one in three young adults experiencing physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse in a dating relationship we need to be talking about this.
Out of the 500 teen and young adults surveyed, 57 percent waited six months or more before seeking any help while 40 percent had never talked to anyone about their abuse prior to their outreach to loveisrespect that day. But we know these numbers only scratch the surface of what's happening in dating relationships across the country.
Last week I joined Olympic gold medalist turned UCLA student Jordyn Wieber, who partners with Mary Kay to help build awareness about dating abuse and the resources available to get help when it's needed most. We talked about the survey results and shared some advice for those facing dating abuse.
Jordyn's message: Never go it alone.
Share your situation. Text "loveis" to 22522 to be connected to one of our peer advocates. Our service is free and anonymous and available 24/7. We promise to listen - and help.
One survey respondent stated she feels "emotionally murdered" by her boyfriend daily - underscoring the reality of 73 percent experiencing emotional abuse. Sexual, physical, digital or emotional abuse destroys hearts and leaves scars. Dating abuse only escalates over time. Inaction never resolves it.
Jordyn urges friends and parents: Never make this devastating mistake
Never behave skeptically. It takes guts to overcome these obstacles. Believe her. Your judgment or disbelief could spin her back into the doomed relationship, away from safety. You have ONE chance to get your initial response right. Make it a loving one.
Visit www.marykay.com/dontlookaway and www.loveisrespect.org to learn more.
For more than a decade Brian Pinero has been dedicated to helping teens and young adults. He has previously supervised youth shelter services, was an investigator for Child Protective Services and worked as a juvenile probation officer. He is currently the Director of Digital Services for the National Domestic Violence Hotline and its youth-focused project, loveisrespect.org.
KEYWORDS: Volunteerism & Community Engagement, Mary Kay, truth about abuse, domestic violence, Dating Abuse, teens, Don’t Look Away, overcome obstacles
