When the Kiefer/Kristina storyline began on GH, I praised the show for shedding some light on the subject of teenagers caught in abusive relationships because as a society this is something that is rarely ever talked about. Unfortunately these types of relationships are much more common than anyone would want to admit and talking about them is the only way that teenagers are ever going to learn how to protect themselves. I still feel like it was a smart and gutsy move for GH to be willing to tell this story, but I am a little concerned at how this storyline now seems to be unfolding. I am worried that not enough attention is being paid to the emotional and mental side of abusive relationships because Kiefer's worst outbursts seem to occur when Kristina refuses to sleep with him. Then the issue becomes more about Kristina not being ready to have sex, but deciding to do it anyway because she is being pressured by her boyfriend. I have no doubt that an abusive boyfriend would try to pressure his girlfriend to have sex with him. I just think this storyline needs to place more emphasis on the fact that Kiefer is abusive in more ways than one, and that this abuse is not simply triggered by Kristina's refusal to sleep with him, as this could send the wrong message. As a result, I think more attention needs to be paid to Kiefer's subtle abuse, the abuse that may be harder for teenagers to detect, like when he bought Kristina a cell phone so that he could always reach her. Fewer teenagers would see a warning sign in that than they would the physical abuse, and these are often the first warning signs before physical abuse begins.
Veteran soap actor Sean Kanan is launching a new web series this week called "Studio City." The show, which is described as 'a love letter to soaps' brings together many of daytime's brightest, including Tristan Rogers, Sarah Brown, Patrika Darbo, and Carolyn Hennessy. The entire first season of "Studio City" will begin streaming on Amazon Prime December 20th. On a side note, I will be chatting with Sean tomorrow on my show Paula's Soapbox LIVE at 6|5c 3pm PST . The interview will stream directly on YouTube and will be available to watch in its entirety following the LIVE broadcast.
i completly agree! god i only think about how i wish i would have knew more when i was in abusive relationshiops! i was her age only a few yrs ago! it terrifies me how nobody discuss this with teenagers! GH did the HIV/AIDS awareness & PPD with Robin they should giving kids more then a phne # 2 call! Awareness is key! & i think Sam should start 2 regonize this & do something! Good topic! thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi jaymann216lover!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry that you found yourself the victim of this type of relationship. This just proves my point that more needs to be done to raise awareness so that teenagers will know the warning signs of abuse. Now that GH has presented this topic they have a responsibility to do just that. This storyline needs to be written carefully and they need to do everything they can to avoid sending mixed messages. I'm just afraid that the show is now starting to shift its focus away from abuse to teenagers being pressured into having sex. And I agree with you, Sam needs to start recognizing what is really going on with Kristina instead of rushing her to the clinic for birth control. She also needs to have a serious talk with Alexis because she is clueless when it comes to Kristina & Kiefer.
Thanks for sharing....
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