Sexual Assault & Bullying
A Resource Guide For Parents & Families
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- Montana youth are sexually active - |
The 2007 Montana Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) found that 46% of 9-12th graders have had sexual intercourse; 31% within the past month.
- Acquaintance/Date Rape- |
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Adolescents are the group most often victimized by sexual assault,
yet they are also the least likely to tell anyone. |
A teenager may fear disclosing rape because
 She/he was drinking or doing drugs.
She/he believes that parents will blame him/her.
She/he was at a forbidden place (e.g., a club, a
party).
She/he was already sexually active.
She/he wants to protect the family�s feelings.
She/he doesn�t know that forced sex is rape.
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Teenagers who have been assaulted often have problems that arise from the rape.
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Often, these signs are thought of as problems in themselves, but they may indicate an
underlying cause that is sexual assault.
These signs include
Sudden personality changes.
Avoidance of certain people.
Withdrawal from usual school or social activities.
Sudden phobic behavior.
Flagrant promiscuous behavior.
Drug or alcohol abuse.
Self-destructive or risk-taking behavior.
Sudden alienation from peers and family.
Development of eating disorders.
Diminished self-worth to the point of suicide.
If a teenager discloses that she/he has been raped
Believe him/her.
Don�t blame him/her.
Empower him/her to make his/her own decisions.
Support him/her in whatever decisions he/she makes.
Get help.
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- Violence & Bullying -
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The 2007 Montana Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) found that 32.8% of 9-12 graders
have been in a fight the past 12 months and 22% have carried a weapon in the past 30 days.
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Why didn�t we see it coming?
In the wake of violence, we ask this question not so much to place blame, but to understand better what we can do to prevent such
an occurrence from ever happening again.
There are early warning signs in most cases of violence to self and others � certain behavioral and emotional signs that, when viewed in context,
can signal a troubled child. But early warning signs are just that � indicators that a student may need help.
Early warning signs provide us with the impetus to check out your concerns, and address your child�s needs. Early warning signs allow you to act
responsibly by getting help for your child before problems escalate.
Don't rely on teachers, administrators and other school support staff -- they are not typically trained to analyze children�s feelings and
motives.
However, they are on the front line when it comes to observing troublesome behavior and making referrals to appropriate professionals. They also play
a significant role in responding to diagnostic information provided by specialists.
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Educators and families can increase their ability to recognize early warning signs
Educators and families can increase their ability to recognize early warning signs by establishing close, caring and supportive relationships with
children and youth � getting to know them well enough to be aware of their needs, feelings, attitudes and behavior patterns.
Educators and parents together can review school records for patterns of behavior or sudden changes in behavior.
Early Warning Signs
Social Withdrawal.
Patterns of impulsive and chronic hitting, or intimidating others.
Excessive feelings of isolation and being alone and bullying behaviors.
Excessive feelings of rejection.
History of discipline problems.
Being a victim of violence.
Intolerance for differences and prejudicial attitudes.
Feelings of being pick on and persecuted.
Drug and alcohol use.
Low school interest and poor academic performance.
Affiliation with gangs.
Expression of violence in writing and/or drawings.
Inappropriate access to, possession of, and use of firearms.
Uncontrolled anger.
Serious threats of violence.
Early warning signs aid in identifying and referring children who may need help.
None of these signs alone is sufficient for predicting aggression and violence.
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-Other Parenting Resource Pages -
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Adolescent Resource Center
(406) 586-5908
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