Barbara Bentley
Information for Teens Who Have Friends in a Violent Dating Relationship
Teens who are victims of dating violence may be reluctant to confide in adults. They are often more likely to turn to aclose friend for support. Even if a teen tries to conceal ongoing abuse from her peers, a close friend will often be the firstto notice changes in the teen’s behavior and appearance that are the hallmark signs of dating violence. But the friends of ateen experiencing dating violence are still kids themselves. They may be unsure of how to help or what resources areavailable. The links below provide resources for teens who suspect that a friend is involved in a violent datingrelationship or who want to address the problem of dating violence in the larger community.
LOVE IS RESPECTSupport for a Friend: This page from the website for the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline offers information for friends of victims of dating violence, including signs of dating violence and a list of do’s and don’ts for helping and responding to a friend who confides that she is a victim of abuse.
TALK TO AN ABUSIVE FRIENDThis page from the website for the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline offers guidance for teens for confronting friends whom they believe to be the abuser in a relationship marred by dating violence.
BREAK THE CYCLEThe mission of Break the Cycle is to empower youth to end domestic violence. Break the Cycle sponsors a youth activism program and offers training to young volunteers who seek to raise awareness of dating violence among fellow teens
Mobilize your Website
Share by: