Domestic violence is not limited by age or length of time people have been in a relationship. Therefore it should come as no surprise that it is estimated that domestic abuse is involved in over a quarter of teenage relationships (that’s less then one in four!) Whilst primarily centred around control, domestic violence in teenage relationships is characterised by two young people making their way in the adult world and experiencing intimate relationships for the first time.
Not only can this be confusing, but the pressure of being in a teenage relationship can be extreme. Teenagers often segregate themselves from adults and a reluctant to ask questions about having a healthy relationship. Teenagers do not want to be seen as ‘inexperienced’ or ‘naive’ so will often run relationships from what they have heard and seen, this may mean that they are influenced by the media, or ‘playground myths’ surrounding relationships.
If you answer “yes” to these questions then you are more then likely in a healthy relationship. If however you have answered “no” to any of the questions, you should seriously consider your status within your relationship. Do you feel you are getting out of your relationship what you want? Talk to your friends/ parents, share their experiences and express your feelings, hopes and concerns. Remember, in a healthy relationship you have the right to answer “yes” to all the above questions.
Parents should also be reinforcing this message to their teenagers. It is very important that we educate children of this age in an attempt to minimise the already high level of teenage domestic violence.