Comments on: Domestic Violence on MTV’s ‘Teen Mom’

By: jeremy

jeremy — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:00:05 +0000

I was a male victim of domestic violence for years in my marriage. It was a source of intense shame – how could I let a girl beat me up? That day in court when I stood up and pressed assault charges and a judge, in front of the entire courtroom, said "you're saying you got beaten on by this little lady?" and the courtroom burst into laughter…

Abuse is abuse – but when it's a woman abusing a man, some of the social stigma that can be attached seems even worse.

I try to speak up whenever I see it or hear about it – to let other men know that it's OKAY to come forward, that the person wrong is the abuser and not the abused, but it's tough. I feel terribly for all the men out there who suffer through this silently.

By: Joanna Cake

Joanna Cake — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:34:28 +0000

This is really interesting.

I think the clip should have been shown because, more than anything, it shows that she's losing control of her life... due to all the factors mentioned. It really isnt easy trying to work on a relationship and bring up a child. Add to the mix her youth and her post natal depression and the poor girl really does need some help.

I think the reaction of the guy is also very telling. Really, he's just another child in the triumvirate of children who form that little family and without someone mature enough to take proper responsibility for their future, I fear for them.

But, yes, it should have been shown... even if only to show teenagers just how difficult that life decision can be. There should have been helpline numbers about DV at the end tho.

By: Welcome to Chicago, Jillinois

Welcome to Chicago, Jillinois — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 15:31:04 +0000

MTV would air anything that would get them ratings. They were originally going to air Snooky getting punched, and even used it as a promo for the show. It was only after that promo caught the eye of advocacy groups did they decide not to air it. But the publicity for the show already worked. If they used this clip to promo this show, it probably would have received enough attention to get pulled, too.

By: Meg

Meg — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 23:57:55 +0000

You know, part of me thinks, "Oh, they should NOT air this stuff!" but then I got thinking on it and realized that for some people, this is the only way to prove that DV (man-on-woman and woman-on-man) exsists, and is horrible.

I hope that local law enforcement sees this and gets on it. Obviously, this is dangerous to the baby.

By: sarahbear

sarahbear — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 23:08:03 +0000

I was shocked when I saw that. I fully believe it needed to be shown, just like the situation that happened to Snooki should have been shown. What irritated me about it was that MTV did not put up a blurb like it usually does about seeking help for domestic violence. There should have not only been an 800 number edited onto the screen during that scene, but also someone at the end of the show talking about domestic violence and how it's not ok and where to get help.

He looked so hurt and I think that they're problems have a LOT to do with her suffering from some severe form of post partum hormonal issues. She needs some serious help and counseling. He does as well, because he needs to know that it's not his fault that she's acting like that. My heart goes out to all of those young couples and mothers every time I watch the show.

By: Jess

Jess — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:38:19 +0000

That is truly disgusting. The double standard here is enormous, and MTV would certainly not have shown it if the violence have been male to female.
I watched the 16 and pregnant episode with these two, and this guy has came off as an ass, no doubt. Buying a several hundred dollar gaming systems instead of paying the bills is one example. But clearly the guy got himself into a situation he wasn't responsible enough to handle. And I can imagine that to be frustrating to her….However. This is a clear example of a person who is totally out of control. Possible PPD, sure. But also, I think she is probably taking out the lack of control of her own life out on the Dad here.
Very sad.

By: Kivrin

Kivrin — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 18:34:27 +0000

And doing it in front of their child, too. That's just great.

I think it's absolutely a double standard, and they shouldn't have aired it (unless they were prepared to air similar footage of male-on-female DV). And that guy should press charges. I fear that the baby would be better off in foster care, anyway.

(Granted, I am making these statements based on the single clip alone—haven't seen the rest of the show. The young dad might be an abusive jerk, too, for all I know.)