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Healthy relationships begin with us
Winning essays in the NMCADSV Know Your Worth Essay Competition. The entries sought to answer the question: How common do you think violence or abuse is in relationships in the CNMI? Describe what you think needs to be done to help youth and teens experiencing violence or abuse in a relationship.
Editor’s Note: The following essay won second place in the middle school division of the Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence 2022 Know Your Worth Essay Competition.
Violence and abuse are prevalent in society, and, unfortunately, the CNMI is not an exception. Negative experiences in previous relationships can influence future and present relationships that people have with others. Many people who have seen or experienced violence throughout their lives, such as in their homes or past relationships, could repeat the cycle of violence and abuse with other relationships in their lives. Many teens also have a hard time communicating with each other, so that could lead to unhealthy relationships and eventually teen dating violence.
To help the youth and teens who are experiencing teen dating violence, parents should raise more awareness and educate their children about teen dating violence. They should be taught that violence and abuse are not acceptable in relationships. Parents could become great role models for their children by always demonstrating healthy relationships in front of their children. Parents should create a safe space where their children can communicate with them and ask for help when facing an abusive situation whether it is for themselves or for others. Teens will then learn the differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships. Trust and honesty are important aspects in connecting with victims of abuse and violence.
Schools play an important role in raising awareness about and helping those experiencing teen dating violence. Promoting safe school environments and starting programs addressing teen dating violence are some ways schools can play a role in addressing the issue. Students should be taught how to communicate with each other in a healthy way. They should be encouraged to speak out if they see someone they know behaving inappropriately against their romantic partner. It would be beneficial to start peer mentoring programs to help and guide teens who are experiencing teen dating violence. Getting assistance from people who have dealt with teen dating violence before is beneficial because they have experienced it themselves and have a better understanding of how teens might feel. They can provide sound advice based on their own experiences and knowledge to the teens who need help. Schools could also partner up with current school organizations to campaign against teen dating violence. This can help kids who are experiencing dating violence by raising awareness about the issue, teaching others how they can help, and giving assistance to those who need help.
LOVELEE B. JINGCO (Special to the Saipan Tribune)
Lovelee B. Jingco is a student of Dr. Rita H. Inos Jr./Sr. High School on Rota.
