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Domestic Violence and Males

Posted on by Harvey County K-State Research and Extension

With all this talk of domestic violence in the news and media these days, I wanted to make sure we talked about victims. Typically, we assume that all victims are female and that is not the case. 1 in 4 men have been physically abused and 1 in 7 men have been severely abused in a relationship. That is a high percentage that we tend to brush off and not focus on.

Reasons why we might not know men being abused by their dating partner is the stigma we put on men to be macho or manly, they tend to be stereotyped as the person who should not show emotion, when it is discussed it is treated as a joke and for those who have told someone the reply is, “Be a man,” or something that discourages them to speak up about it again. Continue reading “Domestic Violence and Males” →

#MeToo

Posted on by Harvey County K-State Research and Extension

#MeToo has been all over social media lately. It started from the Harvey Weinstein case. The campaign is about women using the hashtag along with Me Too to tell about their stories of domestic violence. Some of the stories I have read range all over the place. There are about abusive relationships, rape, crazy nights they cannot remember due to a drug slipped into their drink and just plan rude comments that women sometimes experience growing up.

Continue reading “#MeToo” →

Teens and Domestic Violence

Posted on by Harvey County K-State Research and Extension

Did you know violent behavior usually starts between the ages of 12 and 18? That means more and more teens are experiencing dating violence from their partner. This is not a good thing because it affects teens greatly; not just short-term but also long-term.

Between the ages of 12 and 18 teens are going through body changes while maturing, dealing with mood swings, social issues, school, their family, learning who they are as a person, and much more. These are all important parts of growing up and when a teen is traumatized their development is affected greatly.

For example if a teen is abused by their partner they can start to participate in risky behaviors. Risky behaviors could include but are not limited to drugs, tobacco use, alcohol, sex, and skipping school. Along with these risky behaviors teens can develop symptoms of depression and anxiety, become antisocial and stay home where they feel safe. Lastly they can have suicidal thoughts.

Can you imagine having to worry about school, friends, body changes and then add on having social anxiety and suicidal thoughts; while being a teenager? That is why it is very traumatizing and tough on teens when they are victims of dating violence.

How do we prevent our teens from this? Well, we talk about it with teens; talk about it in general. Domestic violence is still a taboo topic in today’s society, but if we step out of our comfort zones and talk about it, we can help prevent our teens from being in a situation that involves dating violence and prevent future abusers from abusing their partners.

Places in Harvey County that will help you:

HVCO Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Taskforce: 1-800-487-0510
Safe Hope Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault: 316-283-0350
Agape Resource Center (food pantry & clothing closet): 316-283-1600
Salvation Army: 316-283-3190
New Jerusalem Missions: 316-282-2101
Harvey County Homeless Shelter: 316-283-7711
Health Ministries Clinic: 316-283-6103
Offender Victim Ministries: 316-283-2038
Harvey County Health Department: 316-283-1937

 

Red Flags

Posted on by Harvey County K-State Research and Extension

This week I want to talk about red flags and what they are. Too often, a relationship becomes very painful and even dangerous before anyone seeks help. Certain feelings and behaviors can alert you to an abusive relationship. These are called red flags and can be seen as a warning sign that changes need to be made before things get dangerous.

Every person will have different red flags based on how they were raised and their feelings. Continue reading “Red Flags” →

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Posted on by Harvey County K-State Research and Extension

It is National Domestic Violence month in October and this is the perfect time to bring awareness and prevention for future domestic violence actions.

Domestic Violence is described as physical and emotional by one person in a relationship to control the other. Partners may be married or not married; heterosexual, gay, or lesbian; living together, separated or dating. Examples are: hitting, name calling, put-downs, sexual abuse, intimidation, stalking and threating.

Continue reading “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” →

The Most Important Meal of the Day

Posted on by Harvey County K-State Research and Extension

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. The whole family should be encouraged to eat breakfast. Breakfast gives you energy, makes you feel better, keeps you from getting hungry later in the morning, and helps you achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Children who eat breakfast do better in school. Children may be able to get breakfast at school – check with the school food service to find out if it is available in your area. Continue reading “The Most Important Meal of the Day” →