Most parents would be shocked to find out that young women between the ages of 16 and 24 face the highest rate of intimate partner violence. The brutal murder of 15 year-old Ortralla Mosley at the hands of an ex-boyfriend brought the issue of teen dating violence to the forefront. One in three teenagers report knowing a friend or peer who has been hit, punched, kicked, slapped, choked or physically hurt by their partner.
According to the victims’ assistance organization Safe Horizon, abuse is about power and control, and goes beyond physical force. It can be sexual, verbal, emotional, or even financial. To prevent another tragedy before it happens, check out the 10 signs that you may be experiencing relationship abuse, and what to do about it.
Learn more at www.safehorizon.org or call 1-800-799-SAFE. In New York City, call 1-800-621-HOPE.
For more information on preventing teen dating violence and building healthy relationships visit www.chooserespect.org.
11 Comments on "The Shocking Truth That Just Might Save Your Teen"
Barbro
I think that one another thing that is common,is that if you criticize the abuser,the victim very often in the beginning are defending the abuser.That is because the victim often is afraid of reverenge from the abuser.The victim are also becoming emotionaly depending on the abuser.And females are also often using more makeup to cower the bruising.Also be aware of that they are often not interested in studying anymore as they loose concentration.
Sarah
I’m very thankful that we have an American Most Wanted show, and that some of these evil people are being captured. Keep up the good work. Our kids and relatives need you. Thank you.
cathie
We need this video to keep young people aware that people can be abusive toward them .
Tiffany
I think that if any girl will got through that they are not knowing what they are doing and they are to blind with love to even care. the think i got a man and he is doing all this stuff to prove to me that he loves me. Just a little story that is true is that my mom was going through that she has scares from were the beer bottols were thron and brook on her… make long story short it took her to almost watch me die to realize that it is not worth it, she did not want to die or see my big sister or i die. so she got devoresed and full costy. When it comes to dating take it slow and dont do anything that you dont want to. my favorite saying is”NO MEANS NO”
Hope
I had been in alot of abuseive relationships I lost my 2 children because of it. They make it very hard to leave , but with good friends & famliy you can . I am 27 now and married to a wonderful NONABUSEIVE man. We will be celabateing our 1 year anniverary on July 1 st.. We have been togeather for 4 yrs. and best friends for 5 yrs..
this is cool
wow!! i never knew that. thats how guys would start by that step. thanks for your help.
debby
i am a grandmother now but was married at 15 to a very possive & abusive man. i so was looking for what i thought was love & acceptances. there was alot of abuse in my own home as a child so i thought it was normal & was always told u made ur bed lie in it. there was alot of don’t tell attitude back then. it took me 15 yrs to get away from this man, ( to this day he still stalks me). please girls don’t walk from these people RUN & TELL everyone & anyone. Stop them before they kill you.
Sandy
I was raped by my first boyfriend, and believed that I was used goods so stayed with this guy. After he asked me to raise his “other” girlfriends baby in case she died I got out. Parents should not tell their kids they are no good after one mistake, be it consentual or not. I felt damaged all my life until in my 40’s I got help. Noone should suffer the way I did
Lisa
What happens if you notice your 16 year old daughter is in an abusive relationship but is in denial? My sister had went through it and only got out of the relationship once he was thrown in jail for drugs and stealing. What do I do if my daughter or niece ends up in the same situation and thinks I’m being controlling or I don’t trust their judgement and they’re just out to prove me wrong? Thanks in Advance!
Bateyed Commander
Alot of people think that females are the ones getting aboused all the time, well ill tell you now its not just the females, I’m a 17 year old male who has just got out of an abusive relationship. Everyday i was hit, slapped, kicked and yes even where it hurts the most for a male, i had been in that relationship for 3 years and with the help of her aunty I got out of the relationship,,, but to Lisa’s question I think that you should tell your daughter the things that you have seen that makes you think that she is in an abusive relationship, and ask one of her best friends to try and get it out of her, ill tell you now, your daughter is just going to keep dening it till try brake up, so ask one of her best friends to find out the truth and if her friend says yes she is then tell the police and get your daughter out of the relationship.
Mary
This is a tragic story. I have three daughters. I have made it a point to educate them about this topic. I too was in an abusive relationship when I was 17 years old. Now, I am going to local high schools giving presentations on this topic. If these young women know and understand the signs, hopefully the rate of abuse can be reduced.
Please Leave a Comment!