Studies show that one in fives high school students reports being physically and /or sexually abused by a dating partner.
Those same studies show abusive relationships escalate over time and become more dangerous.
“Getting out is going to be hard, but its important,” first step adviser” Melissa said. ” Very rarely does it stop, but gets worse.”
First step is a emergency shelter, they have a 24-hr hotline (940-723-7799) and give support to anyone who needs help. They also provide a education and respect program as well as transportation and food, clothing, and therapy.
“The most important thing to do when you are being abused or witness abuse is to report it or talk to a trusted teacher, counselor or the police,”Family and Consumer Sciences teacher Stephanie Cantrell said.
Abuse experts say behavior of a victim in domestic violence includes isolation, emotional changes, constant communication with boyfriend/or girlfriend, jealousy issues, making excuses for them and verbal and physical abuse and control.
“Planning to get out of the relationship is the first step.” sexual assault service organization education coordinator Beth Cantrell said
She said when someone is feeling in danger it can be really hard to think clearly, have a safety plan before there is immediate danger, and try to move on and get into a place where you can heal and get over your abuser.
“A good way to get your mind off the person is to have no contact with them. Get involved in a activity, hangout with friends,”Stephanie said. “Keep busy and never be alone.”
A “partner” might mean different things to different people. It may be serious or casual, monogamous or not, short term or long term. But an abusive dating relationship is usually a personal relationship where the abuse comes from knowing that they can control and manipulate you, sources say.
“The longer you stay with them, the harder it is going to be to leave them,” Melissa said.
The definition of dating and domestic violence means any act, attempt or threat of or force by a boyfriend, girlfriend, husband wife,family member, friend, partner or acquaintance.
“Its not okay to fear someone you love, and it’s not okay for them to say they love you and make you fear them,” Melissa said.
“Everyone deserves to be in a healthy, safe relationship,” Beth said.
There are many ways to make sure you are protected from the abuser. One of those ways is a restraining order.
“A restraining order cant guarantee your safety or change your abuser,”Melissa said. “But it can help you feel and be safer during a difficult time.”
By law restraining orders are free in all 50 states. In order to get a restraining order you must first have to show a certain relationship between you and the abuser. Second, you have to show the abuse that is going on in the relationship.
“In fact, after you get a restraining order, your partner could face criminal penalties for violating it,” Melissa said.
Melissa said teens in abusive relationships can seek help at a Teen Shelter.
In the past year, the Teen Shelter had 400 teens brought in for domestic violence and sexual violence….that’s more than one teen a day.
“These kids need someone they can trust and someone who will listen, and make them believe again,” said Beth “The important thing to tell someone who has been abused in anyway is to let them know that in no way is it their fault.” Beth Cantrell said. “Listen and empower them and let them know in more ways than words that there is hope and and they will get through this.”