Do Boston Teens Blame Victims for Domestic Violence?

Today, the Globe ran a sensationalistic headline claiming that teens found pop star Rihanna responsible for being (allegedly) beaten by boyfriend Chris Brown. However, the Globe didn't provide the actual survey results relevant to its headlining stars, or any helpful information for people who might be in difficult domestic situations. Fortunately, we found the facts. Of about 200 Boston youths (ages 12 to 19) surveyed by the Boston Public Health Commission:

• 71% said arguing was a normal part of a relationship
• 44% said fighting was a normal part of a relationship
• 51% said Chris Brown was responsible for the incident
• 46% said Rihanna was responsible for the incident
• 52% said both individuals were to blame for the incident, despite knowing at the time that Rihanna had been beaten badly enough to require hospital treatment
• 35% said the media were treating Rihanna unfairly
• 52% said the media were treating Chris Brown unfairly

It's highly disturbing that local teens find arguing and fighting (though it's not clear whether fighting was defined as physical fighting) to be so commonplace in relationships. Arguments are inevitable, but there's no excuse for abuse. If Rihanna also hit Brown, that was certainly wrong—but the fact that he (allegedly) beat and choked her to unconsciousness is still his fault. Every person who engages in violence is responsible for it, regardless of any provocation that may have occurred.

According to the BHCP, parents who need help talking to their teen can contact the "Child Witness to Violence Project" at the Boston Medical Center, which offers counseling and advice at (617) 414-4244, or call Casa Myrna Vazquez (877) 785-2020, which can offer tips on talking to teens about dating violence. There's also a National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline (1-866-331-9474) and a National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE).