References:
- 2 in 10 teen girls report being physically or sexually abused by a partner
- 1 in 10 teen boys report abuse in dating relationships
Teen Dating Abuse Can Be:
- Any kind of physical violence or threat of physical violence
- Emotional or mental abuse
- Mind games, constant texting, constant criticism
- Sexual abuse
- Making you do something you don’t want to, refusing safe sex practices, making you feel bad about yourself sexually
Teen Relationship Abuse Can Lead To:
- Eating disorders
- Depression
- Low self-esteem
- Risky sexual behaviour
- Poor school performance
- Drug, alcohol, tobacco use
Questions That Can Help A Teen Identify An Abusive Relationship:
- Does your partner:
- Make all the decisions?
- Put you down?
- Control who you see or talk to?
- Threaten to hurt themselves?
- Blame you for the way they treat you?
- Stalk you?
- Do you:
- Feel less confident when with your partner?
- Feel scared or worried to do the wrong thing?
- Change your behaviour due to fear or to avoid a fight?
*Answering yes to any of these questions can indicate an abusive relationship*
How Can I Help My Teen?
- Talk to your teen about the qualities of healthy relationships
- Explain that loving partners do not cause fear, injury, or lower self-esteem
- Make sure your teen knows they deserve respect in all their relationships
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