Jump to "What is Domestic Violence?"

What is Domestic Violence?

Teen Dating Violence

What Can Friends Do?


Facts:

  • 62% of 11-14 year olds report they know friends who have been called names/putdown by a boyfriend/girlfriend 1
  • 41% of 11-14 year olds report that they know friends who have been called names or put down by their boyfriend/girlfriend through phone calls, IM or websites 2

Red flags that may show your friend may be experiencing abuse in her/his relationship:

  • Unexplained injuries
  • Boyfriend/girlfriend hurting self, others or pets
  • Change in appearance or behavior
  • Apologizing for boyfriend’s/girlfriend’s behavior
  • Spending all their time with their boyfriend/girlfriend
  • Boyfriend/girlfriend constantly checks up on the teen
  • Name-calling, demeaning comments from boyfriend/girlfriend
  • Giving up interests such as friends, school sports or hanging out
  • Hearing rumors about your friend on the web

I think my friend is being abused by his/her girlfriend/boyfriend. What should I do?

Your friends are often more open to talking with you than with school counselors or parents about dating violence. Prepare yourself by learning about teen dating violence and then talk to your friend.

  • Offer support and just listen
  • Help her or him develop a plan to keep him or her safe
  • Encourage them to do activities with friends and family
  • It’s okay for you to tell her or him that you are afraid for their safety

Respect the decisions that they make; this may include their staying in the relationship


For some help with how to approach your friends, go to http://www.loveisnotabuse.com/teen_girlguytalk.htm to review some helpful “Do’s and Don’ts.”


For additional information go to:

  1. Teenage Research Unlimited, “Tween and Teen Dating Violence and Abuse Study,” available from http://www.loveisnotabuse.com/pdf/Tween%20Dating%20Abuse%20Full%20Report.pdf (2008) Internet; a ccessed 28 April 2008.
  2. Ibid