May 4, 2005

MINNEAPOLIS – In the newly released Ending Violence in Teen Dating Relationships, Al Miles, a nationally recognized expert in the field of domestic violence and teen relationship violence, explores the complex issue of teen dating violence. Through interviews and other research, he provides critical information that parents, caregivers, clergy, and educators can use to protect teens and help them foster healthy dating relationships.

Miles offers thoughtful advice and answers to such questions as: What constitutes violence in teen dating relationships? Why is the problem so pervasive? What are the warning signs that parents and other caring adults can watch for that may indicate a teen is being either abused or abusive? And what can the church do to help?

"Al Miles is telling the truth about teenagers' lives and loves. . . . As parents and pastors we owe it to our youth to understand the challenges of their relationships and how we can help. Al Miles leads us through this minefield with compassion and a critical eye. Thanks be to God." –Rev. Dr. Marie Fortune, Founder/Senior Analyst, FaithTrust Institute, and Editor, Journal of Religion and Abuse.

"Al Miles courageously and caringly exposes the damage and the causes of violence in teenage relationships which are hidden and denied by our families and society. This is a must-read for youth leaders, pastors, and all others working with teenagers whose futures will be seriously damaged if this issue is not addressed. The book provides excellent guidelines and resources for addressing this concern." –Ted Stoneberg, Prof., Pastoral Care & Counseling, Anderson University, School of Theology.

"More than any other author I've read about teen dating violence, Rev. Miles captures the unique and challenging issues facing young people today. This book is a critically needed resource for parents to learn about how to identify and prevent teen dating violence and the role their faith plays in these efforts." –Robin Runge, nationally-recognized attorney-advocate on domestic violence and the law.

"Ending Violence in Teen Relationships is a must read for Christian families. Readers will feel astounded by the realities of teens' experiences with violence as Al Miles respectfully tells their stories. As usual, Al Miles is forthright, directly taking on the challenge of dealing with controversial subjects. He writes in accessible language to clarify complex issues. This book is full of useful information for teens and for adults to share with teens. We can all make changes that Al Miles proposes to protect teens, communicating openly with them about their intimate relationships in the context of their religious faith." –Barrie Levy, LCSW, Adjunct Professor, UCLA, Author of In Love and In Danger and Dating Violence: Young Women in Danger.

"The reality of intimate violence is a life-threatening physical and social problem in our culture. Yet, we often don't recognize its prevalence in the dating lives of teenagers. Al Miles has created a straightforward book to assist pastors, parents, and all who care about the young people in their lives to stop dating violence. Using a thorough social and theological analysis, Miles explores those dynamics in both Church and culture that support teen violence and those actions that we can employ to stop it. This book, with its direct, no-nonsense style, is essential reading for ministers, youth workers, families, and members of congregations who seek the well-being and safety of today's youth." –Christie Cozad Neuger, Ph.D., Professor of Pastoral Care and Pastoral Theology, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities.

Al Miles coordinates the hospital ministry department, Pacific Health Ministry, at The Queen's Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii. In 2002, he was selected to serve on the National Advisory Committee on Violence Against Women. A frequent speaker on teen relationship violence and domestic violence, he is the author of Violence in Families: What Every Christian Needs to Know (Augsburg Books, 2002), and Domestic Violence: What Every Pastor Need to Know (Fortress Press, 2000).

Format: Paperback 176 pages 5.5 x 8.5 inches; Item No: 0806651318; Publisher: Augsburg Books; Price: $12.99.

To order Ending Violence in Teen Dating Relationships please call Augsburg Fortress at 1-800-328-4648 or visit the web site at http://www.augsburgfortress.com/.

Augsburg Fortress