Teenagers all too often do not know the signs of an unhealthy relationship or normalize behaviors that do actually qualify as domestic violence or as unhealthy. Teenagers face social pressure to fit in. Intimate relationships often play out in public as people 'gossip' and know intimate details about their classmates relationships either from day to day gossip, social media, text messaging and email chains. As a friend, family member or someone who may be in an unhealthy relationship, figuring out unhealthy behaviors is the first step in helping or making a decision to leave. The warning signs to look out for are unique for the teenage population:
- Getting very serious very quickly (going from 0-100 in a short amount of time, 'I love you' within the first few weeks of a dating relationship.)
- Constant and obsessive jealousy (always questioning the other persons whereabouts and motives)
- Isolation from friends or family
- Controlling what someone wears, how someone dresses
- Unrealistic expectations what someone should do and how much time someone should put into a relationship
- Constant communication via text or other forms of social media
- Mostly one individual has much of the power and control in the relationship
- Drastic changes in the tone of relationships (constant talking and then refusals to speak)
- Personal insults, name calling, put downs, degradation, lack of respect
- Force or coercion to do things that one person does not feel comfortable with (often times this is comes in the form of sexual pressure.)
- Tracking or stalking via GPS or other technological means
- Violence towards others or other things (hitting walls, getting into physical altercations outside of the relationship)
- Threats of abuse (verbal or physical)
- Fear of partner
- Physical abuse
Are any of the warning signs in the list above familiar? You, a friend or a loved one may be in an abusive relationship. Call the RESPOND hotline and speak with a certified domestic violence counselor 24/day at 617-623-5900.
