Warning Signs and Help for Teen Violence
Resources for learning about and stopping domestic violence among teens.
Feb. 11, 2009 — -- According to recent studies, about one in three adolescent girls will be in a physically abusive relationship by the time she graduates from high school.
Psychologist and author Jill Murray says the pattern of abuse often mirrors that in adult relationships.
Below are some of the warning signs that parents should be aware of:
Before my daughter met her boyfriend she had more friends than she has now.
She frequently cries or is very sad.
If he calls her, she MUST answer immediately.
He is jealous if she looks at or casually talks to another boy.
She makes excuses for his poor behavior or says it is her fault.
He calls her demeaning names, then laughs and says he is only kidding.
She used to be more outgoing and more involved with family and/or school activities.
Visit These Web Sites for More Information:
Love Is Respect -- www.loveisrespect.orgThis Web site and the help line is geared toward people in their teens and early 20s as well as their parents.
Break the Cycle -- A national organization dedicated to combating teen violence: http://www.breakthecycle.org
American Bar Association's Teen Dating Violence Prevention Initiative: http://www.abanet.org/unmet/