Teen Dating Violence

	Awareness and Tips Dating Violence affects one in four teens. This type of abuse is not just physical, but it is emotional abuse also. Yelling, threatening, name calling, extreme possessiveness, and obsessive phone calling or paging, are all a phase of Dating Violence.
	You Are a Victim of Dating Violence if you are going out with someone who… is jealous and possessive, won't let you have friends, and checks up on you or won't accept breaking up? Tries to control you by being bossy, giving orders, making all the decisions, or not taking your opinion seriously? Puts you down in front of friends or tells you that you would be nothing without him/her? Scares you? Makes you worry about reaction to things you say or do? Threatens you? Uses or owns weapons? Is violent? Has a history of fighting, loses his temper quickly, brags about mistreating you or others? Grabs, pushes, shove, or hit you? Pressures you for sex or is forceful or scary about sex? Gets too serious about the relationship too fast? Abuses alcohol or other drugs and pressures you to use them? Has a history of failed relationships and always blames the other person for all of the problems? Believes that he or she should be in control of the relationship? Makes your family and friends uneasy and concerned for your safety?
	If you answered yes to any of these questions, it is possible that you are a victim of Dating Violence or Abuse. Both males and females in heterosexual or homosexual relationships can experience dating violence or abuse.
	Get out of abusive relationships? Don't put up with the abuse. You deserve better! Know that you are not alone. Teens from all over the country of all different economical and ethnic backgrounds have been involved in a violent relationship. Understand that you have done nothing wrong. It is not your fault. Know that the longer you stay in the abusive relationships, the more intensive the violence will become. Recognize that being drunk or high on drugs in not an excuse for someone to become abusive. Talk with your parents, a friend, counselor, a faith or spiritual leader, or someone else you trust. The more isolated you are from your friends and family, the more control your abuser has over you. Know that you can get help from professionals at rape crisis centers, health services, counseling centers, your family health care provider, or a local clinic. Alert a school counselor or security officer about the abuse. Keep a daily log of the abuse for evidence. Remember that no one is justified in attacking you just because she or he is angry. Do not meet him/her alone. Do NOT let him/her in your home, car, or near you when you are alone. Avoid being alone at school, your job, on the way to and from places and anywhere else he/she might have access to you. Always tell someone where you going and when you plan to be back. Plan or rehearse what you will do if he/she becomes abusive to you.
	Being a Friend to A Victim of Dating Violence. Most teens talk to other teens about their problems. If a friend tells you things that sound like his/her relationship is abusive, here are some suggestions or some ways to help: Don't ignore signs of abuse. Talk to your friend. Express your concerns. Tell your friend that your are worried about him/her. Support, do not judge. Point out your friends strengths- many people in abusive relationships suffers from little or not self-esteem left. Remind them of their talents, abilities, and gifts. Encourage your friend to confide in a trusted adult. Offer to go with the friend for professional help. Find out what laws in your state may protect you friend from the abuser. Never put yourself in a dangerous situation with the victims partner. Don't try to mediate, or get directly involved. Call the police if you witness an assault. Tell and adult- school principal, guidance counselor, or school resource officer- if you suspect the abuse but don't witness it.
	Take Action! Educate teens and adults in your community. Start a peer education program on teen and dating violence. Encourage your school or community to start a program to help abusers conquer their behavior. Teach- Without resorting to violence will help break the cycle. Find information on healthy relationships and dating violence. Ask your school library to purchase books about living without violence and the cycle of domestic violence. Inquire about having health, social studies, contemporary living, and other classes incorporated into discussions of teen dating violence and prevention measures.

Surfing the Net- Safely

	Cyberspace is a gigantic arena where people can search for any and every type of information available on any topic.
	Rules of the Road The best tool used to search the Internet is your brain. If you come across sights that are pornographic, excessively violent, or full of hate literature- Move On.
	Here are a few reminders for Safe Surfing never give out your name address telephone number