When people think of violence, they oftentimes think it's something that's perpetrated by a stranger. That's not always the case. Date rape, violence and abuse is something that most teen girls, even boys, face everyday. Most incidents are committed by an acquaintance. In our ongoing Hot Topic series focusing on Teens in the Lake Area, KPLC's Laila Morcos takes a closer look at the problem.
"Jane," now 23, is still dealing with the effects of her teen dating violence experience. "It's not something that goes away. It's something you always think about in the back of your mind."
We've disguised her identity to protect her. "Jane" now works with domestic abuse victims. "Growing up in Lake Charles, I went to a private high school, and you know, the things I hear about now, I wish I would have known some things when I was younger."
"Eight out of 10 young people are meeting a teen dating violence problem during their younger years," says Calcasieu Women's Shelter Coordinator Ann Coureville. She's dedicated to educating teens and parents on dating violence and abuse.
"Society is saying it's acceptable." Ann says the warning signs of dating violence are obvious. "The biggest warning sign is when a person wants to take control of your life and they want to say who your friends can be, where you can go."
And no matter how good someone may seem, Ann says looks can be deceiving. She says, "They're the quarterback or the drum major or may make A's. That doesn't mean they're a good kid."
Girls aren't the only victims. "It's not just girl to boy or boy to girl. It's also same sex."
So the Women's Shelter is hosting a program to give parents and teens the awareness to protect themselves. "Parents need to sit down with their children and come up with a safety plan."
Ann and "Jane" say it's hard sometimes for teens to recognize patterns, but if you're in a situation that doesn't feel good, it's not.
The Calcasieu Women's Shelter Children's Department is hosting a two part program for teens and parents to learn more about date rape, violence and abuse. It's Thursday, February 15th from 6 to 8 PM at the Iowa Public Library. For more information, call 582-3587
Lake Charles will host a series of "Stop the Bleed" training according to Matt Young, city spokesman. The first training will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 20 at the Calcasieu Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness located at 901 Lakeshore Drive. The free program is to encourage bystanders to become trained, equipped, and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives. Young says approximately 75 tr...
More >>Lake Charles will host a series of "Stop the Bleed" training according to Matt Young, city spokesman. The first training will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 20 at the Calcasieu Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness located at 901 Lakeshore Drive. The free program is to encourage bystanders to become trained, equipped, and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives. Young says approximately 75 tr...
More >>Tonight, it will be very pleasant outside. There will be no chance for rain, and the clouds will continue to clear. With the clouds going away, that will allow temperatures to cool down overnight. Lows will be in the mid 50s. You may need a jacket as you head out the door Monday morning. Monday and Tuesday next week will be very nice to get outside. After the cold front pushes past us over the weekend, there should be plenty of sunshine. Although a few clouds are possible.
More >>Tonight, it will be very pleasant outside. There will be no chance for rain, and the clouds will continue to clear. With the clouds going away, that will allow temperatures to cool down overnight. Lows will be in the mid 50s. You may need a jacket as you head out the door Monday morning. Monday and Tuesday next week will be very nice to get outside. After the cold front pushes past us over the weekend, there should be plenty of sunshine. Although a few clouds are possible.
More >>The CHRISTUS St. Patrick Foundation will host their sixth annual Dragon Boat Races at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 28 at the Lake Charles Civic Center Seawall. The event benefits Children's Miracle Network. In this year’s race, up to 30 teams will race across the lake, competing to be the 2018 Dragon Boat Race winning team. Each team consists of 20 members who paddle a 41-foot vessel to the beat of their team drummer. In our 30-minute special report Race Across...
More >>The CHRISTUS St. Patrick Foundation will host their sixth annual Dragon Boat Races at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 28 at the Lake Charles Civic Center Seawall. The event benefits Children's Miracle Network. In this year’s race, up to 30 teams will race across the lake, competing to be the 2018 Dragon Boat Race winning team. Each team consists of 20 members who paddle a 41-foot vessel to the beat of their team drummer. In our 30-minute special report Race Across...
More >>The funeral service of former first lady Barbara Bush is being held at 11 a.m. today in Houston, Texas. Expected guests include former president Bill and Mrs. Bill Clinton, former president Barack and Mrs. Barack Obama and First Lady Melania Trump. Around 1,500 are expected to attend.
More >>The funeral service of former first lady Barbara Bush is being held at 11 a.m. today in Houston, Texas. Expected guests include former president Bill and Mrs. Bill Clinton, former president Barack and Mrs. Barack Obama and First Lady Melania Trump. Around 1,500 are expected to attend.
More >>