Stop Domestic Violence: "Spotting Teenage Domestic Abuse"

Since I've talked about how much more common it is than expected for teenagers to be involved in abusive relationships, it seemed appropriate to post some warning signs to look out for if you suspect your teen is in an abusive relationship.

Here are some signs to keep an eye out for:

Withdrawal
Social isolation
Alcohol or Drug use
Signs/symptoms of depression
Not doing well in school
Change in usual routine
Behaving differently

These are a few red flags and may require more investigating to determine if it is, in fact, due to an abusive relationship. Keep the communication lines open with your teenager. Talk to them about what a healthy relationship is like and what an abusive relationship is like. If you suspect or know that your teen is in an abusive relationship, be the parent. If you are unsure of what to do, seek professional help. Look at the other posts in this blog for contact information and hotlines to help with this.