Several thousand teens were asked about their experiences with relationship violence including physical, sexual, psychological or emotional abuse.
Twenty-nine percent of the teens questioned admitted to being both the perpetrator and the victim of dating violence. This is a stunning amount of teenagers involved in dangerous relationships.
Pay careful attention to physical signs of abuse and a change in your teen’s behavior and emotional state.
Don’t ask if they’re being abused. They don't know what "abuse" means.
Ask if they’re being intimidated, threatened, coerced or stalked.
They may not know “what” is happening to them and may have been groomed to tolerate minor incidences. Seek protection first and then, therapeutic support.
These situations do not resolve on their own. Don’t wait. Take immediate action.
Claudia
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