CCADV Statement Regarding Attempted Intimate Partner Murder of 16-year-old in Hartford
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Glastonbury, CT – The following statement is issued by Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) chief executive officer, Meghan Scanlon:
“We are shocked by the attempted murder and strangulation of a 16-year-old by her 18-year-old boyfriend. It is an absolute tragedy for children of this age to already be experiencing the epitome of an unhealthy, abusive relationship. Our thoughts are with her and her family and friends as she recovers.
Teen dating violence is not uncommon. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over a quarter of female victims of intimate partner violence and nearly a quarter of male victims report first experiencing intimate partner violence prior to age 18. Here in Connecticut, according to the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey conducted by the CT Department of Public Health and completed by over 2,000 students at 33 high schools in Connecticut, 26% of teens reported that someone they were dating purposely tried to control them or emotionally hurt them, while 12% experienced sexual dating violence and 8% experienced physical dating violence.
Teens may be experiencing an abusive relationship if they start to become withdrawn, begin getting bad grades, start to engage in risky behaviors, or start fighting and bullying. Some common unhealthy dating behaviors experienced by teens include:
- Name calling or put downs in front of others
- Being jealous when their dating partner talks to their friends
- Discouraging their dating partner from spending time with friends and family
- Constantly checking on their dating partner or demanding to know where they are
- Checking their phone, email or social media accounts without permission
- Pressuring their dating partner to participate in any sexual activities
Connecticut has experienced multiple intimate partner homicides in the past two weeks, and now the attempted intimate partner murder of a 16-year-old. We cannot stress enough that domestic violence is a public health crisis and it is the responsibility of every person in this state to help put an end to it. Teens need to know that love should never hurt, either physically or emotionally, and that everyone has the right to feel safe and good about themselves.
CCADV and our 18 member organizations are also calling on federal and state policymakers to prioritize funding to support the needs of victims, including funding for prevention efforts in schools and local communities. The true value of financial support for prevention and education has long been overlooked. The domestic violence service system across the country, including here in Connecticut, faces catastrophic federal funding cuts and the attempted intimate partner murder of a teen shows us all why that cannot be allowed to happen.
We urge anyone who is questioning their own relationship or that of a family member or friend to speak with an advocate. Safe, free, and confidential services are available across the state at CCADV’s 18 member organizations and accessible 24/7 through Safe Connect, Connecticut’s domestic violence information and resource line. You can call or text (888) 774-2900 or visit www.CTSafeConnect.org to chat or email with an advocate. No one has to navigate their safety alone.”
