Adults Who Want to Help a Teen

Teens in violent dating relationships may or may not turn to the adults in their lives for help. If they do it is important that those people don’t betray their trust and that they give them the support that they need, which includes accurate information. If you are reading this packet, it is likely that you know a teen whom you suspect, or are sure, is in a violent relationship. You may doubt the validity of the victim’s story and/or doubt the ability of the accused to be violent. If a teenager has disclosed an abusive relationship to you it is very likely that they are telling you the truth.

Teenagers usually rely first on their friends, and only turn to adults when their friends can’t help them. If a teenager has disclosed to you it is also true that they must trust you and therefore it is extremely important that you have information to help you support that person most effectively.

• What is Domestic Violence?

• What is Dating Violence?

• Batterers Characteristics

• How You, as an Adult, Can Best Help

• Are You Supportive of the Teens in Your Life?

• What You can do to Stop Domestic Violence

• Modeling Good Communication