Dating Abuse Affects One in Five Teens

CENTER CITY, Minn., March 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Studies show that one
in five teenagers in a serious dating relationship reports being physically
abused by their partner. This issue is so serious that several states have
passed laws specifically addressing teen dating abuse.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061128/CGTU038LOGO)

Hazelden Publishing, the leading publisher of evidence-based violence
prevention programs for students in first grade through 12th grade,
understands the significance of preventing dating violence and has published
Safe Dates, the only evidence-based program that addresses this important
issue. Safe Dates helps teens recognize the difference between caring,
supportive relationships and controlling, manipulative, or abusive dating
relationships.

"There are schools all over the United States that are implementing Safe
Dates," said Sue Thomas, expert on prevention and anti-bullying products,
Hazelden Publishing. "When implemented with fidelity, research shows that
schools and community organizations can see a significant reduction in
physical and sexual dating violence."

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), teens involved in an
abusive dating relationship are more likely to do poorly in school and often
engage in unhealthy behaviors, including drug and alcohol use.

Dr. Rodney Hammond, director of the CDC's division of violence prevention,
stated, "Reducing dating abuse requires effective prevention tools that are
scientifically based. Recognizing the lack of such tools, CDC funded the
development of the Safe Dates program. We hope that the lessons learned from
the program can be used by other communities in their efforts to prevent
violence."

An ideal component to any middle or high school curriculum or community-based
program, Safe Dates targets attitudes and behaviors associated with dating
abuse and violence and works to change those attitudes and behaviors. Safe
Dates was selected for the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and
Practices (NREPP), and received high ratings on all criteria.

ABOUT HAZELDEN -- Hazelden, a national nonprofit organization founded in 1949,
has helped tens of thousands of people reclaim their lives from the disease of
addiction. With plans to celebrate its 60th Anniversary this year, Hazelden
offers the nation's most comprehensive approach to addiction by addressing the
full range of patient, family, and professional needs, including treatment and
continuing care for youth and adults, research, higher learning, public
education and advocacy, and publishing. It has facilities in Minnesota,
Oregon, Illinois, and New York. For more information, please visit
www.hazelden.org and www.hazelden.org/safedates

SOURCE Hazelden Foundation

Christine Anderson of Hazelden Foundation, +1-651-213-4231,
canderson@hazelden.org