No one deserves to be in
an abusive situation and
it is never your fault.
There is no excuse for
violence!
Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages
of 15 and 44 in the US-more than rapes, muggings, and auto accidents combined.(Surgeon
General, United States, 1992).
Nearly one in 10 high school students will experience physical violence from
someone they’re going out with. Even more teens will experience verbal or
emotional abuse during the relationship. [APA: “Love Doesn’t Have to Hurt
Teens”, March 2002]
TYPES OF ABUSE:
EMOTIONAL:
repeated lies and broken promises, withholding affection, giving the silent
treatment, extreme jealousy, keeps you away from family friends or interests,
insults and put downs, threats, controlling your every move (how to dress, what
to eat, where to go, who to see, etc.)
PHYSICAL:
unwanted tickling or hugging, wrestling and pinning you down, punching, kicking,
shaking, & slapping attack with a weapon
SEXUAL:
unwanted sexual advance or contact, unwanted sexual comments, unwanted kissing,
refusal to stop unwanted intercourse (this is called DATE RAPE)
IF YOU ARE IN AN ABUSIVE
RELATIONSHIP, GET HELP!
If you have been physically
harmed, get medical attention and inform your parent(s) or an adult you trust.
If you fear you are in danger,
seek shelter and call the police or sheriff’s department.
Talk with a friend, crisis hot
line, mental health center, or with someone from a Domestic Violence Agency.
Consider a support group or
counseling.
ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIPS GET
WORSE AS TIME GOES ON.
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