Love Doesn't Have To Hurt.
Rape an sexual abuse does not only happen between strangers or family members. It can happen between "lovers" and "boyfriend-girlfriend" relationships too. Rape can even happen between spouses.
But for those teens out there who are currently in an abusive relationship.
But for those teens out there who are currently in an abusive relationship.
Imagine this;
Jennie and Tyrone lunch in the cafeteria with her friends. They start teasing each other, but then the playing turns to insults. Tyrone sees that Jennie is upset but doesn’t stop. When Jennie gets ups and says, “Get away from me, I hate you,” Tyrone says, “Shut up” and slaps her across the face.
That kind of humiliation hurts, and it IS a BIG deal.
Getting hurt happens in all relationships. Even same-sex relationships can be abusive.
What’s the first step in turning the situation around?
Take it seriously. Listen to yourself. If you feel that someone is abusing you, trust those feelings.
Take it seriously.
What’s the second step?
Take care of yourself. You’re too valuable to settle for love that hurts. Don’t stay silent – find support and help.
Nearly one in 10 high school students will experience physical violence from someone
they’re going with. Even more teens will experience verbal or emotional abuse during the
relationship.
Between 10 and 25 percent of girls between the ages of 15 and 24 will be the victims of rape or attempted rape. In more than half of those cases, the attacker is someone the girl goes out
with.
Girls are not the only ones who are abused
physically or emotionally in relationships. Boys also experience abuse, especially psychological abuse. Boys rarely are hurt physically in relationships, but when it happens, it’s often severe. Boys also can be pressured or forced into
unwanted sex, by girls or by other boys.
Cultural beliefs.
Teenagers’ cultural and ethnic backgrounds affect their relationships. Some teenagers come from cultures in which people don’t date someone unless they’re going to marry that person, so they may not let their families know they are going out with someone. In some cultures, loyalty is such an important value that a teen in an abusive relationship may decide not to
ask for help. Also, teenage girls who believe they can’t do much with their lives because of their family’s or culture’s rules, or because of discrimination or poverty, may place their hopes for the future on finding someone to love and take care of them. Abuse may seem like a small price to pay to escape a life without hope.
ask for help. Also, teenage girls who believe they can’t do much with their lives because of their family’s or culture’s rules, or because of discrimination or poverty, may place their hopes for the future on finding someone to love and take care of them. Abuse may seem like a small price to pay to escape a life without hope.
Getting pregnant.
Pregnancy is a vulnerable time that often leaves a teenage mother-to-be feeling alone, dependent, helpless, and condemned by parents, teachers and friends. If her boyfriend is abusing her, she may not tell anyone because she fears losing him, doesn’t want to face more disapproval from her family, or fears her baby will be taken away from her.
Getting sexually involved with an adult.
Young teenagers sometimes find themselves
involved in sexual relationships with persons much older than they are. Although you may have romantic feelings for someone 5 or 10 years older, even if both of you consent to having sex,
you should know that the older partner is committing a crime called statutory rape. Also, some adults beat or otherwise seek control over their young teen lovers. A sexual relationship where an adult dominates and controls a young teen should never be confused with love.
involved in sexual relationships with persons much older than they are. Although you may have romantic feelings for someone 5 or 10 years older, even if both of you consent to having sex,
you should know that the older partner is committing a crime called statutory rape. Also, some adults beat or otherwise seek control over their young teen lovers. A sexual relationship where an adult dominates and controls a young teen should never be confused with love.
If you are the one getting hurt
If a person who claims to love you also threatens,
intimidates or injures you, that person has some wrong ideas about love and isn’t worth your time. If you can’t love someone without also feeling afraid of him or her, you’re better getting out of that relationship. Assault is a crime. If you are afraid that someone you’re going out with may hurt you badly or if he or she already has, don’t hesitate to call the police. In many states, teens who have been threatened or harmed can get the same restraining orders and other protections as adults. The most important thing you can do is take care of yourself. As serious as the situation may seem, there are always alternatives to having a relationship with someone who hurts you. Demand to be treated with respect. You’re worth it! (:
intimidates or injures you, that person has some wrong ideas about love and isn’t worth your time. If you can’t love someone without also feeling afraid of him or her, you’re better getting out of that relationship. Assault is a crime. If you are afraid that someone you’re going out with may hurt you badly or if he or she already has, don’t hesitate to call the police. In many states, teens who have been threatened or harmed can get the same restraining orders and other protections as adults. The most important thing you can do is take care of yourself. As serious as the situation may seem, there are always alternatives to having a relationship with someone who hurts you. Demand to be treated with respect. You’re worth it! (:
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