This is Abuse: Relationship Abuse

Spot the signs of when your relationship is abusive:

• Abuse in a relationship can happen to anyone.
• It's never ok.
• It can destroy your self-confidence, have a negative impact on your
  health and wellbeing and leave you feeling isolated and lonely. 

What is relationship abuse?

Abuse is not normal and never ok. If you are in a relationship with someone, you should feel loved, safe, respected and free to be yourself. There are different forms of abuse, which you can find out about here, but if your relationship leaves you feeling scared, intimidated or controlled, it’s possible you’re in an abusive relationship. Find out more about the issue, have your say and seek help here.

Sue Scheff: Thats Not Cool

ThatsNotCool.com

Your cell phone, IM, and social networks are all a digital extension of who you are. When someone you're with pressures you or disrespects you in those places, that's not cool.

IS THIS ABUSE?

Recognizing Abuse?
Not sure if a situation is abusive or not?
Ask yourself if your boyfriend or girlfriend:

is overly jealous or possessive?
puts you down or criticizes you?
threatens or scares you?
hits, slaps, pushes, or kicks you?
controls where you go, what you wear, or what you do?
tries to stop you from seeing or talking to friends and family?
tries to force you to have sex?

What Can You Do...If you're being abused?

Call the police if you are in danger and seek medical attention if you are hurt.
You are not alone and the abuse is not your fault.
Talk with somebody you trust: a friend or relative, someone from school or your community.
Think independently. Remember that you are the expert about your own life. Don't let anyone talk you into doing something that's not right for you.
Have a safety plan in the event you are abused again.

Here are some tips.

Find out more about being a Tech Savvy Teen

If you think you're being abusive?
Know that there are people and organizations that are equipped to help you.
If you truly care for someone, you will not allow him or her to be abused, by you or anyone else.
Talk to someone you trust, like a close friend, family member, or someone you respect, like a teacher or counselor at school. Ask his/her honest opinion about your behavior.

If your friend is being abused?

If necessary, help your friend get medical attention. Encourage your friend to contact a professional or an adult they trust for help.
Offer your unconditional friendship and support. Be clear that you are there to listen, and not to judge.
Tell your friend it's not his/her fault.
Don't spread gossip. This could make your friend's situation more dangerous.
Don't try to confront the abuser or rush your friend into a decision he/she isn't comfortable with.

If your friend is abusive?

Visit http://www.thatsnotcool.com/Help.aspx for advice and answers to the above concerns.

Sue Scheff: FINK Teen Resources

FINK - Family Interaction Nurtures Kids

Family Communication Experts

Check out this informational and educational website that offers parenting tips, advice, articles in a positive and cheery site of hope and inspiration!

Visit http://finkblog.com/ for more!