Recognizing Unhealthy Relationships

By Angela N. Parker

IG:ap925344

Being in love is a beautiful thing, but real, lasting love is built on respect, understanding boundaries and healthy communication and it is important that you are able to recognize the signs when your relationship might not be as healthy as you think. In fact, one in three teens have admitted to being in an unhealthy relationship.

According to the Teen Dating Violence website, while both boys and girls can be victims of teen dating violence, girls have a higher percentage of being victims, with .girls between 16 and 24 being three times as likely than any other demographic to be abused by a boyfriend or other intimate partner.

Sometime it can be hard to tell if you are in an abusive relationship, but there are certain types of behaviors that should be red flags to you if your partner exhibits them, This includes:

• Physical Abuse: hitting, biting, shoving, hair pulling, scratching;

• Emotional or Psychological Abuse: name calling, bullying, shaming, intentionally embarrassing, constant monitoring;

• Sexual Abuse: forcing you to engage in a sexual act against or without their consent;

• Stalking: Repeatedly following or harassing you in a way that causes them reasonable fear for their safety or well-being.

• Financial : using money and gifts, food, clothing and housing to control you.

• Digital: stalking you on social media, constant texting, demanding passwords to your phone and social media accounts.

Remember any one can find themselves in an abusive relationship, no matter their gender, age, race, social economic background or sexual orientation. If you feel like you may need help, talk t o your parents, or a trusted adult, if you feel uncomfortable doing that, find resources in your community where you can receive services.