A Parent's Guide to Teen Dating Violence

Question 5: Why Might a Person Stay in an Abusive Relationship?

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There are many reasons teens might stay in abusive relationships:

In high school, status and self-esteem are often intricately linked to a teen's relationship.
She may be in love and want the violence to end, but not the relationship.
In an abusive relationship, a teen can feel like no one understands the abuser but her.
She might fear that if you find out, you won't let the couple date any longer.
She may not have healthy relationships to compare this to, and she may see abusive behavior modeled at home.
She might think this is just what "being in love" is like.
She might fear bringing shame to the family.
She may worry that you will be disappointed in her.

What makes a relationship healthy?

Published 03/12/2009