Counselling
Employee & Family
Assistance Program
When Love Hurts
80% of Pregnant and Parenting Teens are Victims of Dating Abuse!
At Family Service Regina, we are increasingly aware of the significant number of girls involved in relationships where there is physical, mental or sexual abuse. We are also aware of the strong relationship between dating abuse and teen pregnancy.
80% of the pregnant and parenting teens that seek assistance from us are victims of dating abuse. In most cases this abuse begins prior to or during the pregnancy.
The word abuse implies physical harm. One expects to see bruises. Although this is often the case, the harm that young women experience in abusive relationships is not always easily identified. This is because it is often emotional in nature. Emotional abuse can include isolation, name-calling, jealousy and threats. Sadly, in many cases the children become targets of this abusive behavior as well.
When Love Hurts is a program that encourages young women to realize their own power and strength in their daily lives and relationships. The goal is that this timely help will benefit them and their children for the rest of their lives.
Family Service Regina’s WHEN LOVE HURTS program is a 13-week educational and therapeutic support group that responds to the needs of young women who are currently in or have been in an abusive dating relationship.
Participants range in age from fourteen to twenty-two. Most have young children and are parenting on their own and many also attend school.
WHEN LOVE HURTS focuses on:
- Relationships
- Assertiveness & Self-esteem
- The Cycle of Abuse
- Effects of Abuse on Children
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Am I Really in an Abusive Relationship?
WHEN LOVE HURTS provides young women with an increased awareness and understanding of the different forms and types of emotional, physical and sexual abuse. Participants are more able to identify what is abusive in their own relationships.
How is this Affecting Me?
Self-esteem is an integral aspect of the group process as the young women gain strength and ability to recognize their own capabilities. As the group progresses, participants become more independent and more able to access other supports and resources. All of the support given in the group is given in an atmosphere of acceptance and non-judgment.
How is this Affecting my Child?
Because many of the young women are pregnant or parenting they are given the opportunity to discuss appropriate parenting strategies and how to counteract the destructive effects of abuse on their children. Through this experience they learn how to protect their children and themselves.
Why Do I Stay?
Participants begin to understand what it is that keeps them in their relationships, what it is that keeps them going back into their relationships, and they are given information about relationships that are healthy and equal.
I’m Not Alone in This?
WHEN LOVE HURTS helps participants recognize, often for the first time, that they are not alone in the experience of abuse. This realization lessens their feelings of isolation and helplessness.
How do I Register?
Young women can be self-referred, or referred through their school social workers or guidance counsellors.
Click to download our brochure or to register call Family Service Regina at 757-6675 or the Balfour Teen Parent Program at 523-3217 or send an email to Dannella Munroe, Teen Parent Program Coordinator.
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