Author Archives: Aaron Jordan

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

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February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

What is it?  Teen dating violence is an act, or acts, that are abusive to one or both of the parties involved in a teen relationship.  There are several forms of abuse that can occur: physical, emotional, sexual, behavioral, and economical.

Why does it matter?  Teen dating violence is increasingly becoming a problem.  It happens every day, and often goes unreported. It is something that needs to be stopped.  Often times there are huge psychological costs associated with teen dating violence for the involved victims.

Who does it affect?   The teens involved in the dating relationship are obviously directly affected by the teen violence.  Indirectly, parents, counselors, friends, family, and even potential future children all feel the effects of such violence.

How can you recognize it?  There are several indicators that a teen may be prone to  or is currently experiencing relationship violence.  First and foremost, irrational outbursts from a suspected abuser should be a warning sign for potential violence in a teen relationship.  If a teen feels perpetually threatened, humiliated, criticized, powerless, dominated, manipulated, victimized, unworthy, or abused, the relationship may tend to be more unstable and more susceptible to violence.  Sometimes, physical marks may be visible indicators of dating violence.  If you notice the teen is skipping classes, has changes in mood or personality, is unusually indecisive, grades are falling, using drugs or alcohol, emotional outbursts or seems to be isolated, these can all be signs of abuse.  Unfortunately, it can be very difficult for a victim to initiate getting help with dating violence.  As such, it is sometimes difficult to detect teen dating violence.  Nonetheless, identifying a potentially violent relationship in the early stages can help avoid any harm to the teen and the people that care about them.

Advice to Adults:  If a teen comes to you and expresses that they may have been abused, first and foremost, show your support for them.  Tell them that you’re concerned for their safety, ask them if they would like to talk about it, tell them that they are not alone and it’s not their fault.  Understand that when it comes to an abused teenager or abused person in general that their self-esteem has been gradually worn down.  They may fear retaliation for reporting the abuse.  They feel alone.  Morever, and confusing and frustrating to those who care about them–they may still care deeply for their abuser and continue to hope that the relationship will improve.  For parents, you may need help to appropriately address the situation.  School guidance counselors, victim support organizations, and mental health professionals are all potential resources.

Advice to Teens Experiencing Dating Violence:  Get help.  Talk to a favorite teacher, coach, guidance counselor, religious leader, parents, or any trusted adult to see if any solutions can be reached.  Some situations can be handled simply with adult intervention or an adult helping the teen work through the situation.  Others may require the assistance of mental health professionals or law enforcement.  In certain circumstances a Harrassment Restraining Order or Order for Protection from a Judge may be needed to prevent the abuser from continuing to contact the teen victim.  If you or someone you know would like to talk to a victim services specialist please call Someplace Safe in Morris, 320-589-3208 or the Crisis Line at 1-800-974-3359.  For more information on teen dating violence and relationship violence in general, go to http://www.someplacesafe.info/.

 

DWI Trial

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A jury trial was held on Monday, January 7, 2012 at the Stevens County Courthouse in Morris.  Rochelle Jean Shepersky, age 26, of Benson, was charged with two counts of misdemeanor 4th Degree DWI.  The jury found Ms. Shepersky guilty on both counts.  Immediately following the verdict she was sentenced to thirty days jail that was stayed for a period of one year.  The court ordered conditions of probation include paying fines and fees totalling $610.00 and completing a chemical use assessment and following the recommendations.

Ms. Shepersky had been driving in the city of Morris on April 14, 2012 at about 1:45 a.m. in the morning.  Her vehicle was stopped by a Morris Police Officer after she committed several traffic violations.  Ms. Shepersky acknowledged to the officer that she and her friends had just come from the bar and that she had consumed alcohol.  She failed field sobriety testing and refused to submit to a preliminary breath test.  She was subsequently arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.  At the Stevens County Law Enforcement Center Ms. Shepersky submitted to a breath test that resulted in a .10 alcohol concentration.

The Morris Police Department and the Stevens County Sheriff’s Office completed the investigation.

Prescription Drug Abuse

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Every day in America 2,500 kids ages 12 to 17 abuse a prescription pain reliever for the very first time.   Where do they get the prescription drugs?  Over 70% of these youth obtained pain relievers from a relative or friend.  Next to marijuana, prescription medications are the most common illegal drug used by teens to get high.  The number of teens going into treatment for addiction to prescription pain relievers has increased by more than 300% since 2000.

Because these drugs are so readily available and many teens believe they are a safe way to get high, teens who wouldn’t otherwise touch illicit drugs (cocaine, heroin, LSD) might abuse prescription (Rx) drugs – and not many parents are talking to them about the dangers.  It’s time to lock the lid on Prescription (Rx) and Over-the-Counter (OTC) to prevent drugs getting into the wrong hands!

Teens say they abuse Rx painkillers because they believe the myth that they are safer to use than illicit drugs, there is less shame attached to using them, they believe there are fewer side effects than illicit drugs, and parents don’t care as much if youth get caught.

Teens report that parental disapproval is a powerful means of keeping them away from drugs.  What can you do as a parent?   Think about your home – what Rx and OTC drugs do you have?  Where are they kept?  Would you know if some were missing?  You can take steps immediately to limit access to these drugs and help keep your teen drug free.

Unsecured Rx drugs can be as dangerous as having a loaded gun in your home.  Talk to your teen about the dangers of abusing prescription and over-the-counter drugs.  These are powerful drugs that, when abused, can be just as dangerous as street drugs.  Be sure your teen knows the risks far outweigh any “benefits” and it is illegal to use a prescription that is not written for you.  Also, it is a felony to intentionally give your own or anyone else’s prescription medication to another person.

For information on how to dispose of your prescription medications go to www.fda.gov or, more specifically, http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm101653.htm.  If you are unsure what to do with your unused prescription medications there is a prescription medication drop box located in the Stevens County Courthouse just outside of the law enforcement offices.

You can find more information and resources at www.drugfree.org.