February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and 1 in 3 U.S. Teens will experience: physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they are in a relationship with before becoming adults.
Relationships exist on a spectrum from healthy to unhealthy or even abusive. In an abusive relationship, one partner uses coercive. Intimidating, or manipulative behavior to exert power control over them.
RED FLAGS TO LOOK OUT FOR: Extreme jealousy or insecurity Possessiveness Demands to change the way you dress, who you spend time with or how you behave.
Explosive outbursts or mood swings Physically hurting you HOW TO SUPPORT A TEEN: First contact an advocate to talk about your specific situation and get support Listen without judgement Let them make their own decisions about the relationship Don’t disempower them Don’t prevent them from seeing the partner. If you do, you could help the abuser manipulate them into thing other people are the problem.
Stay supportive Talk out concerns for yourself, friend, or child with an advocate by calling 1-866-331-9474, texting LOVEIS to 22522, or open a chat at loveisrespect. org.
For more information or help call Project Celebration, Inc. call 318256-6242 or 318-3498938 If you are in a Domestic Violence situation and need help, call us or call 1-888-411-1333, this will connect you with your local DV shelter. 24/7, 365 days a year someone will answer. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.