Teens discuss domestic violence after touring display at FCHSchool
Cassandra Maggitt, with Second Chance Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Shelter of Wynne, met with students at Forrest City High School this morning to share information about the signs of domestic violence in teen dating as part of Teen Dating Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Throughout the day, students visited a display in the lecture hall that Maggitt brought with her, which is on loan from Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The display consists of multiple silhouette cutouts showing reports of deaths by domestic violence in Arkansas in 2021.
"They are still gathering stories and data from 2022 cases," said Maggitt of the display.
Students were able to walk through rows of over 25 figures painted red for awareness of the issue in Arkansas and read each woman's story before sitting down with Maggitt for an open response session where they discussed "red flags" in relationships.
"What shocked you most about the stories you read?" asked Maggitt of the Mustangs in Tatesha Conix’s and Romona Mathews's classes.
Students replied they were surprised that the violence took place in front of children, with a gun, and that some of the abusers turned themselves in or committed suicide.
Maggitt prompted students to share their knowledge of the issue by asking questions.
The at one time "adult issue" of domestic violence, was not an unknown subject for some of the teens present.
Students shared the warning signs they have been taught, one even admitting they were a survivor, so their peers could understand the reality of the issue, but not sharing details of the abuse they faced.
"So what is domestic violence?" asked Maggitt of the students.
Some answered as most would, saying it was physical violence between a person and their significant other.
Maggitt expanded to students that it doesn’t always have to be physical.
"It can be emotional abuse, too," she explained.
"About one in three high school students have been or will be involved in an abusive relationship," shared Maggitt. "Or know of someone who's been in an abusive relationship."
She told students that 40% of teenage girls, ages 14 to 17, say they know someone their age who has been hit or beaten by a boyfriend.
"But it isn't just teen girls who can be abused," noted Maggitt,
before asking students why they thought that was the case.
The students responded that it was probably due to men and teenage boys having a culture of shame around sharing their emotions and that it wasn't "manly" to report physical abuse.
"That's right, but again, it doesn't have to be just physical. What are some of the signs of someone in domestic abuse?" asked Maggitt.
Students answered physical signs, such as bruises, but also items such as significant others being over controlling, isolating their partner, verbal abuse and more.
Maggitt explained abuse could be coercion or threats as well as economic abuse like preventing a partner from getting access to proper finances.
Maggitt also asked students if they understood what healthy relationships are.
The students responded with words such as honesty, loyalty, fidelity and good communication.
One student went further, saying his peers should also respect one another's boundaries.
Maggitt thanked students for sharing their perspectives as well as their open, honest and respectful participation in the discussion.
She encouraged those in need of help to contact a trusted adult or her organization's hotline at 870587-8044.