There is a great place for teens to turn to for help. Contact the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline here.
Leaving an abusive relationship can be dangerous. It is important to safety plan.
Check out this great interactive safety plan.
Check out this great interactive safety plan.
I Think I Am Being Abused; What Should I Do?
Support is vital in making a successful and safe exit from an abusive relationship. Friends, family members, and advocates are needed to help make the transition.
Don’t try to do it alone!
It is normal to feel worried about leaving. It is also normal to still love the person who has been hurting you. You need to understand that you deserve to be treated with respect and compassion. Love should not hurt. This doesn't mean that it is easy to move on, but you are worth it.
If you are not ready to leave, remain safe.
When you are out with your partner, make sure someone knows where you are and when you should be back.
Establish a code word with friends so you can alert them when you are in trouble.
Avoid being alone with your partner.
Never be afraid to call 911.
If you are ready to leave, talk to your friends and family so they can help you. Talk to an advocate from SafeHouse or another shelter, they will help you create your own personal safety plan. Everyone is different; your safety plan will be tailored to your life and needs.
The Break-Up
Remember that this is the most dangerous time for you. Your partner may not accept the break-up and may try to control you with guilt (I will kill myself) or with threats (I will kill you, I will post negative things about you).
Protect yourself.
Break up over the phone if you don’t feel safe. In a healthy relationship, this is not the way to go; however this may be the best way to keep you safe.
If you do break up in person, don’t do it alone. Pick a public place and have friends or family close by. Have a cell phone in hand to make an emergency call if needed.
Your ex may cry and make you explain your reasons over and over. No matter what you say or do, you cannot make it better for them. Say what you need to say and leave.
Trust yourself.
If your ex tries to contact you after, you may maintain short conversations if you are comfortable. But don’t listen to abuse. Your ex may continue to try to get you back, you have to stay strong and know that you deserve a healthy relationship.
People may expect you to just move on, but it is not that simple.
The person you dated was a big part of your life.
It is ok to feel lonely or scared to be apart. Find friends or new activities to help you through.
It is normal to miss your partner. Sometimes you may think of all the good times and want to return.
Keep a journal of the reasons why you left to help you remember.
If your partner made all the decisions in the relationship, it may seem overwhelming to now have choices again. Take it slow and remember to ask your friends and family for help. You can take back control of your life.
Support is vital in making a successful and safe exit from an abusive relationship. Friends, family members, and advocates are needed to help make the transition.
Don’t try to do it alone!
It is normal to feel worried about leaving. It is also normal to still love the person who has been hurting you. You need to understand that you deserve to be treated with respect and compassion. Love should not hurt. This doesn't mean that it is easy to move on, but you are worth it.
If you are not ready to leave, remain safe.
When you are out with your partner, make sure someone knows where you are and when you should be back.
Establish a code word with friends so you can alert them when you are in trouble.
Avoid being alone with your partner.
Never be afraid to call 911.
If you are ready to leave, talk to your friends and family so they can help you. Talk to an advocate from SafeHouse or another shelter, they will help you create your own personal safety plan. Everyone is different; your safety plan will be tailored to your life and needs.
The Break-Up
Remember that this is the most dangerous time for you. Your partner may not accept the break-up and may try to control you with guilt (I will kill myself) or with threats (I will kill you, I will post negative things about you).
Protect yourself.
Break up over the phone if you don’t feel safe. In a healthy relationship, this is not the way to go; however this may be the best way to keep you safe.
If you do break up in person, don’t do it alone. Pick a public place and have friends or family close by. Have a cell phone in hand to make an emergency call if needed.
Your ex may cry and make you explain your reasons over and over. No matter what you say or do, you cannot make it better for them. Say what you need to say and leave.
Trust yourself.
If your ex tries to contact you after, you may maintain short conversations if you are comfortable. But don’t listen to abuse. Your ex may continue to try to get you back, you have to stay strong and know that you deserve a healthy relationship.
People may expect you to just move on, but it is not that simple.
The person you dated was a big part of your life.
It is ok to feel lonely or scared to be apart. Find friends or new activities to help you through.
It is normal to miss your partner. Sometimes you may think of all the good times and want to return.
Keep a journal of the reasons why you left to help you remember.
If your partner made all the decisions in the relationship, it may seem overwhelming to now have choices again. Take it slow and remember to ask your friends and family for help. You can take back control of your life.
