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In the case that has launched a public discussion about violence among teens, singer Chris Brown appeared in court on March 5 after being charged with two felonies, one count of assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury, and one count of making a criminal threat. He did not enter a plea and was granted a continuance. Brown is due back in court on April 6.

Rihanna’s attorney stood with Brown and his attorney during the proceedings. The two have been photographed together, spurring rumors that they are reunited.

The Boston Public Health Commission released a teen survey which finds that 51 percent of Boston-area youth say Chris Brown was responsible for “the incident,” 46 percent say Rihanna was responsible, and 52 percent say both Rihanna and Brown are to blame. It finds female teens no less likely than male teens to come to Rihanna’s defense, and a significant number of those surveyed say Rihanna was destroying Brown’s career.

The program surveyed 200 Boston youth ages 12 to 19 from February 13 to 20, using the Rihanna/Chris Brown case to gauge their attitudes toward teen dating violence. One hundred percent of those surveyed had heard about the incident.

It also found that 71 percent said arguing, and 44 percent said fighting, was a normal part of a relationship; and 35 percent said media were treating Rihanna unfairly while 52 percent said media were treating Chris Brown unfairly.

The Boston Public Health Commission is a part of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funded Start Strong: Building Healthy Teen Relationships Initiative. The Family Violence Prevention Fund is the National Program Office for the Initiative. Last November, the Boston Public Health Commission received a $1 million, four-year grant to launch a Boston-based effort to prevent and reduce teen dating violence, specifically focusing on teaching 11-to-14 year olds about healthy relationships.

“Boston parents need to be aware that our children are facing a crisis,” said Emily F. Rothman, assistant professor in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the Boston University School of Public Health, and an advisor to Boston Start Strong. “Ten percent of Massachusetts youth report having experienced dating violence during their lifetimes. The consequences of dating violence can be severe and long-lasting. Teen dating violence victimization can be a precursor to adult violence victimization, and can increase risky behaviors during adolescence, including substance use, unhealthy dieting and weight control practices, and suicidal behavior.”

Casey Corcoran, Director of the Public Health Commission’s Start Strong program, added, “The case provides all of us with an opportunity to have this conversation with the young people in our lives, and it should serve as a reminder that no one – not even the rich and famous – are immune to abuse.”