10 Signs That Your Teen Is In An Abusive Relationship

By Mary Jo Rapini. Posted on Feb 24th 2013.

Study says that one out of three teens are a victim of dating violence.

February is teen dating violence awareness month. A recent study among college students reports that more than one out of three teens, ranging in ages 13 to 19, was a victim of dating violence. This abuse included physical, sexual and psychological abuse.

According to the study, more than one third of all the kids who had one abusive partner ended up dating another abusive partner. This suggests that teens may become locked into certain behaviors and attract that same type of person due to the young age they began dating.

More from YourTango: WANTED: Previously Married and Attractive Males

For many teens the biggest problem that abuse can cause is the feeling of being isolated. Teens do not have the dating experience or the understanding of just how dangerous this situation can become.

We give you ten warning signs to indicate if you, your child or someone you know is in an abusive relationship:

1. Has he/she ever trapped you in a room and not let you out?

2. Does he/she make gestures that are aggressive, such as raising a hand or putting their hand over your mouth?

3. Has he/she ever thrown anything at you?

4. Does he/she hit walls or slam doors?

5. Does he/she get extremely angry while driving or when you express your feelings?

6. Have you seen them hit someone before or hurt an animal?

7. Has he/she ever restrained or held you down?

8. Has he/she ever shoved, hit or grabbed you?

9. Does he/she talk with anger and swear frequently?

10. Has he/she ever threatened you?

This behavior is not normal. Abusers use a tactic to keep you under control. This tactic isolates their victim and makes them feel depressed and worthless. No one who loves you will want to do things that make you feel lonely or sad. Here are seven tips to help you plan your breakup and escape:

More from YourTango: 3 ways to talk so he hears you

1. More than likely the abuser will tell you that it won't happen again or that he was under stress. Remind yourself that this person is not being honest with you. Keep reading ...

More dating advice from YourTango:

Find an expert!

Article contributed by

View profile

Advanced Member

Mary Jo Rapini

Counselor/Therapist

For more information go to: www.maryjorapini.com
Talk to me on my fan page: http://www.facebook.com/maryjorapini
Tweet me: @MaryJoRapini
Read my Love and Relationships Blog on Chron.com
Ask me questions on Fox26 in Houston, TX and watch every Thursday Morning at 9am for “Mind, Body, Soul with Mary Jo” and Friday Morning's at 8am for “Healthy Happy Hour with Mary Jo”

Location: Houston, TX

Credentials: LPC

Website: http://www.maryjorapini.com

WANTED: Previously Married and Attractive Males

By Mary Jo Rapini

When you hear the word 'Puma', you may think of an athletic shoe or a cougar’s little sister. But in the U.K., however, it is taking on a new meaning. A 'Puma' is a previously married and attractive man that women who want to get married seek to find. These women are choosing experience over youth, and they believe that divorced men make ... Read more

3 ways to talk so he hears you

By Mary Jo Rapini

The underlying problem in most relationships is lack of communication. This usually involves couples feeling like their partners don’t listen to them. Women seem to complain about this more than men. Women usually talk ... Read more

Low Libido? Emotional causes

By Mary Jo Rapini

One of the most common problems to be diagnosed with if you are a woman over forty living in the United States is low libido. I have to qualify this statement because the problem of low libido is a common problem in the United States, but not so problematic in other countries. The U.S. is also very youth driven and not only do Americans have difficulty ... Read more