Warning Signs of Teen Relationship Abuse

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The National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center has put together a list of warning signs that could help parents determine if their teen is involved in an abusive dating relationship.

• Does he/she have unexplained bruises, scratches or injuries?
• Does the teen seem afraid of his/her boyfriend or girlfriend?
• Does the boyfriend or girlfriend seem to try to control the teen's behavior, making all of the decisions, checking on his or her behavior, demanding to know who the teen has been with, and acting jealous and possessive?
• Does the boyfriend or girlfriend lash out, criticize or insult the teen?
• Does the teen apologize for the boyfriend's or girlfriend's behavior?  Has the teen casually mentioned the boyfriend's or girlfriend's temper or violent behavior, but then laughed it off as a joke?
• Have you seen the boyfriend or girlfriend be abusive toward other people or things?
• Does the teen seem to be giving up activities or hobbies that were once important?
• Has he/she lost interest in school or other activities?
• Has the teen's appearance or behavior suddenly changed?
• Has the teen stopped spending time with friends and family?
• Has the teen's mood or personality changed?  Is he/she becoming anxious or depressed, acting out or being secretive?  Is the teen avoiding eye contact, having crying jags or getting hysterical?
• Has the teen recently started using alcohol or drugs?

When parents recognize the warning signs and suspect their teen may be in trouble, it's important to get help from local domestic violence prevention programs.

 

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