Abuse in Teen Dating

Abuse in teen dating relationships can and does occur, but because it is so unexpected it often goes missed by parents. There 5 common types of abuse that can occur. They are physical, sexual, emotional, psychological (mental), and financial.  Abusers can be either male or female as can their victims.    Parents should remain vigilant in the dating lives of their children, and pay special attention to isolating behaviors. Parents should be especially attuned to changes in personality with the onset of a new boyfriend. They can even empower their children to independence by prohibiting the relationship which can give their child the necessary resolve to leave the abuser. Extreme caution should be used when insisting an abused person leave their abuser as that is the most dangerous time for the abuser to escalate their abuse, violence and the abused may have genuine fear for their well-being or the well-being of her family or even the family pet.  Letting your child know you are dependable and building a social network of support of people with like minded values is always a good idea. In any abuse situation isolating the victim and grooming the support network is a key feature.