According to the Associated Press:

The Parents Television Council released its report Wednesday. It says it counted more than 400 violent acts against women in prime time on ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox shows in February and May this year. There were just under 200 during those months in 2004.

The council notes that acts against women are a small percentage of violence in prime time.

The report shows there were more than 3,900 violent acts not specifically aimed at women during those two months.

Worse still:

The study noted that depiction of violence overall has changed little over the years — up 2 percent from 2004. Depiction of violence against women, however, was up 120 percent.

It said 29 percent of the incidents were beatings, 18 percent credible threats of violence, 11 perdent were shootings, 8 percent were rapes, 6 percent stabbings and 2 percent torture — but that in 92 percent of the incidents, graphic violence against women was depicted, not just implied.

Why is it suddenly more permissible to show violence against women on television? Just thinking of a few of my favorite shows, TrueBlood features a lot of psychopaths and demonic possession, so that may explain the reliance on violence; Weeds also features depictions of violence, particularly in Nancy's relationship with Esteban - but I've only casually watched since season three. And then there's Mad Men (screengrab above). But beyond those, I'm having problems trying to remember what shows feature violence - and I wonder if I'm starting to become desensitized since I can't remember.

Group Worries About Violence Against Women On TV [AP]
Study: TV Violence Against Women Up 120% [The Wrap]

Though in the CDC report from November, government statistician Stephanie Ventura said, “It's way too early to know if this is the start of a new trend…But given the long-term progress we've witnessed, this change is notable," Fox News found a fear mongering doctor to make far more definitive statements about the slight upswing. Said Dr. Keith Ablow: “It’s not pretty and we really need a public health response that’s very vigorous to counteract this."

While the rise in teen pregnancy after a 14 year drop is certainly something to monitor, using nine-month old statistics to drum up hysteria is disingenuous. Or you know, you could just follow Fox News and start panicking immediately. Break out those chastity belts moms of America!

Report: Teen Pregnancies Up For First Time In 15 Years [CNN]
Teen Pregnancy Rate Hits 15-Year High [Fox News]
Teenage Mothers Rose In 2006, Reversing A 15-Year U.S. Decline [Bloomberg]
Teen Birth Rate Rises For First Time In 14 Years [CDC]

Earlier: Teen Pregnancy Rates Are Declining — Or Not

• We were "purchased" by Conde Nast...not. But you guys got your panties in some serious bunches about it.
  
• Maybe you were just cranky because you live in New York and you're not getting any.
  
• Perhaps you just discovered your second grader is a sexual harasser.
  
• Anna and Tracie crashed the New York Weddings Showcase and all they got was some moisturizer, lobster cups, mini-hamburgers and period-blood.

• We wondered if hot chicks make dudes financially irresponsible.
• We worshipped at the altar of baseball.
• We peed on the altar of Rush Limbaugh.
• But New Kids on the Block reunited! So crack open a cold one and pour some out for Donnie, Joey, Jordan, Danny and Jonathan. It's Friday!