Safety Planning for Teens in Abusive Dating Relationships
The following are tips you might think about to increase your safety :
General Safety
- Stay in touch with your friends; and, make it a point to spend time with people other than your partner.
- Stay involved in activities that you enjoy. Don�t stop doing things that you enjoy or that make you feel good about yourself.
- Make new friends. Increase your support network.
- Take self-defense class.
- Consider looking into resources at your school or in the community. Think about joining a support group or calling a crisis line.
Dating Violence is Never OK
Being a Friend to a Victim of Abuse
- 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 your worried. Support, don't judge.
- Point out your friends 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.
- Every person has the right to live in a peaceful family environment free from abuse.
What You Can Do
- Start a peer education program on teen dating violence.
- Create bulletin boards in the school cafeteria or classroom to raise awareness.
- Perform a play about teen dating violence.