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Open Arms/ Open Eyes! Power, Control & Abuse in Teen Relationships cover image

Open Arms/ Open Eyes! Power, Control & Abuse in Teen Relationships 2002

Highly Recommended

Distributed by Human Relations Media, 41 Kensico Drive, Mt. Kisco, NY 10549; 800-431-2050
Produced by The Henrico County, Virginia Community Criminal Justice Board in association with Safe Harbor
Director n/a
DVD, color, 27 min.



Jr. High - College
Adolescence, Psychology, Social Work

Date Entered: 09/12/2007

Reviewed by Carolyn Walden, Mervyn H. Sterne Library, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Specifically designed to help teenagers look at types of abuse that may occur in relationships, this film provides extensive information in a brief span of time. Using three fictional scenarios of teen relationships, the film discusses emotional and physical abuse and illustrates how control and power are important components of abuse. The film discusses abuse by creatively using other students to introduce each scenario and to discuss the warning signals that need to be observed. While comments from a psychologist and two real life abuse victims, male and female, effectively add a realistic component, the replay of each scenario with an emotionally healthy and positive thrust, allows students to view what is possible in avoiding abusive encounters. The accompanying guide for teachers is an excellent resource with summaries of the scenes, tests, and fact sheets for students. The energetic music helps the pace of the film and the shifting of scenes.

Although this film is not a part of a series, two additional videocassettes by Human Relations Media (Surviving Peer Pressure and Drama Queens and Tough Guys) will complement this DVD and provide additional information for areas of interest and importance to teenagers. A good choice for junior high and high school collections as well as university and college collections in psychology and social work. Highly recommended!!

    Awards
  • Omni Intermedia Award Winner