Are you afraid of the person you're going out with?

Do they call you names, make you feel stupid, or tell you that you can't do anything right?

Do they say that no one else would ever go out with you?

Does the person you're involved with tell you where you can and can't go or who you can and can't talk to?

Do you feel cut off from your friends and family?

Do you feel if you say no to sexual activities that you will get in trouble?  Do you feel pushed or forced into being sexual?

Does the person say it's your fault when they hurt you?

Does this person shove, grab, hit, shove, grab, kick, hold you down, bite or pinch you?

Is the person you're seeing really nice sometimes and really mean at other times (almost like they have two personalities)?

Does this person make frequent promises to change?  Do they pretend that they never hurt you?  Or do they tell you that you are "making too big a deal" out of it?

Tell your parents, a friend, a counselor, a clergyman, or someone else whom you trust and who can help. The more isolated you are from friends and family, the more control the abuser has over you.

Alert the school counselor or security officer.

Keep a daily log of the abuse.

Do not meet your partner alone. Do not let him or her in your home or car when you are alone.

Avoid being alone at school, your job, and on the way to and from places.

Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back.

Plan and rehearse what you would do if your partner became abusive. 

You can call Renewal House to get help and information.

You can attend a domestic violence support group (groups are free).

You can go to a domestic violence shelter in some situations.

You can tell your friends so they can look out for you or walk with you in groups (the more people you know, the safer you are).

You can talk to a teacher, counselor or some other adult who may help you.

You can take legal action.  There are restraining orders you can get to keep the abuser away from you.

Studies show that at least 1 in 10 teens will be in an abusive relationship.

In abusive relationships between boyfriends and girlfriends, 95% of the time it's a boyfriend abusing a girlfriend.

It's not easy to leave an abusive relationship at any age.  It's even harder for teens to leave abusive relationships because of fewer resources and uninformed adults who think it's "just two kids fighting."

Abuse happens in all different kinds of relationships, including same sex/same gender relationships.

Teen dating violence can happen to anyone no matter what their race or where they live.

If you notice a friend is in an abusive relationship, don't ignore signs of abuse.  Talk to your friend.

Express your concerns. Tell your friend you're worried.  Support, don't judge.

Point out your friend's strengths - many people in abusive relationships are no longer capable of seeing their own abilities and gifts.

Encourage them to confide in a trusted adult. Talk to a trusted adult if you believe the situation is getting worse. Offer to go with them for help.

Never put yourself in a dangerous situation with the victim's partner. Don't be a mediator.

Call the police if you witness an assault. Tell an adult - a school principal, parent, guidance counselor.