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"Community Solutions to Abuse in Orange County" 8 <br />inconsistent and impulsive behavior, including self-mutilation. As a group, <br />according to a Duke University study, the teens show signs of post-traumatic <br />stress disorder, social problems and social withdrawal. <br />Abuse at home can lead to dating abuse. According to Mr. Renfroe, teens <br />may not be able to distinguish between loving and abusive behavior if they <br />grow up in an abusive household. Up to a third of teens experience violence <br />in dating and 50% of all rapes are of adolescents. Teens have fewer options <br />than adults, but otherwise, teen date violence can be similar to adult domestic <br />violence. <br />t~uESTtoNS ANQ AN~wERs <br />The morning session concluded with an audience question-and-answer session. <br />Various panelists weighed in on each question. <br />Q: WHAT IS YOUR PERSPECTIVE REGARDING NORTH CAROLINA LAWS? DO THEY NEED TO BE CHANGED? <br />A~ The laws are there -North Carolina does not need to have new laws written by legislature. <br />It is difficult to prosecute due to the nature of crime: victims recant and the burden of proof <br />(beyond a reasonable doubt) is difficult to achieve. Prosecutions would benefit if they could <br />proceed without victim testimony (which is now done in murder cases). Another solution is <br />better and more consistent enforcement of penalties. <br />A~ It is hard to legislate morality -how people treat each other and whether we respect each <br />other as human beings. The laws need to be there but as a society we have committed major <br />neglect - we have not taught the people skills, dating/parenting skills. If we offered more <br />resources to help people learn skills we could do better with prevention. We do not have to <br />accept the behavior but accept people and understand their circumstances. Then we can <br />approach the problem of violence more proactively so the legal system will not become so <br />overwhelmed with volume when primary prevention measures are in place. <br />Q: HAS THERE EVER BEEN ANYONE IN ORANGE COUNTY PROSECUTED FOR DATING ABUSE? <br />A~ There actually have been people in Orange County who have been prosecuted however, it <br />posed a logistical problem. The issue was violence between two people in school and in this <br />case, some of the usual remedies like restraining orders etc. could not be enforced -both <br />needed to continue to go to school. Community resource officers were very helpful to keep <br />victims safe while in school and to mobilize the resources needed. What was not forgotten was <br />that this is learned behavior and there was a need for serious intervention. <br />Q: HOW DO WE DO THIS TOGETHER IN TERMS OF TEACHING PEOPLE HOW TO TREAT ONE ANOTHER AND <br />REACHING OUT TO THE PERPETRATORS KNOWING THEY ARE VICTIMS THEMSELVES? <br />A~ Start with young adolescents and prepare them for eventual parenthood. Start talking to our <br />children in our schools. For example, the tragedy of shaken baby syndrome occurs because the <br />parents are often young, stressed, unprepared adolescents with very little support who just lost <br />it. They need help to understand what parenting is all about. <br />A~ Become an agency that invites itself to groups, educating and seeking every opportunity to <br />go out into the community to speak with groups/university/faith organizations. Recognize that <br />abuse exists, and it's ok to reach out, provide education about options, and refocus that life is <br />not like the media. Point out options when it seems like there are no options. <br />5 <br />