Healthy relationships are relationships that involve mutual trust, consideration and respect, according to KidsHealth. Not all relationships possess all these qualities. In fact, many relationships are downright dangerous. Teens and young adults from all places and backgrounds are at a higher risk than other groups of being in violent relationships, according to Break the Cycle, a national nonprofit organization working on teen dating violence.
Types of Violence
Violence in teen relationships is a pattern of abusive behavior in a relationship that isn't limited to physical or sexual abuse. It may also involve verbal abuse and emotional abuse or a combination of multiple types of abuse, says Break the Cycle. Emotional and verbal abuse are more difficult to recognize since they don't cause bumps and bruises, but they may involve name-calling, humiliation, intimidation tactics and betrayal.
Statistics
One in every three teens experience some form of abuse, including emotional and verbal abuse, in their relationships, according to Break the Cycle. Additionally, one in four teen girls who have been in romantic relationships say they have felt pressured to perform oral sex or have sexual intercourse. Moreover, 40 percent of teen girls between ages 14 and 17 know a person who has been beaten or hit by their romantic partner and almost 80 percent of girls who are physically abused by their partner continue to date their partner, says Break the Cycle.
Warning Signs
You might recognize you're being physically abused if your partner slaps or hits you, but physical abuse can also involve pushing, grabbing and shaking, says KidsHealth. Your partner may also be abusive if he tries to control different parts of your life, such as who you spend time with and how you talk or dress, if he frequently humiliates you, if he threatens to hurt you or himself, if he twists the truth to make you feel guilty, and if he is jealous and demands to know your whereabouts all the time, says KidsHealth.
Signs of Abuse in a Friend
Your friend might be abused by her partner if you see unexplained injuries, such as bruises and marks, if she seems to have excessive shame or guilt for no apparent reason, if she has started to act secretive or withdrawn from her loved ones, and if she has started to avoid school or social events with nonsensical excuses, says KidsHealth. Be fully supportive of your friend and talk to a trusted adult, such as a guidance counselor or a parent, if signs point to abuse.
Getting Help
Take some steps to stay safe, whether you feel capable of leaving, says Break the Cycle. Start by talking to a trusted person, such as a parent, teacher, friend or counselor, who can help support you as you talk out your feelings. Next, draw up a personalized safety plan to reduce your chances of being in dangerous situations with your partner and to find the best way to react if you are ever in danger, says Break the Cycle. Also learn about restraining orders, which you might be able to use against your partner when you break off your relationship. If you're in immediate danger, call the police or the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline at 866-331-9474.
