Dealing with Teen Dating Abuse: Crossing the Line

Gr 7 Up—This program dramatizes one vignette featuring a pair of dating teens whose relationship has become abusive. The story is told with acted scenes and first-person accounts from the teen boy, Matt, his girlfriend, Megan, and Megan's best friend, Ana. Matt acknowledges that his last relationship ended because his girlfriend thought he was too controlling, but he doesn't recognize that he is repeating the pattern by trying to control Megan and monopolize her time. Matt's demands threaten Megan's r friendships and her ability to participate in team sports. She appears to recognize that Matt's demands are taking her away from activities that she enjoys, but she accommodates his wishes because she cares deeply for him. Ana doesn't think that Matt is treating Megan well, and misses the time that she and Megan used to spend together. Verbal abuse is also an element in Matt's control over Megan. This is an open-ended scenario, with no specified conclusion. This program would stimulate conversations among teens, especially when the supplemental materials are used. However, The Ten Signs of Relationship Abuse (Human Relations Media, 2007) covers more dating abuse circumstances and has 11 additional minutes of content.—Ann Weber, Bellarmine College Preparatory, San Jose, CA