Serving Bristol, TN/VA, Washington County, VA and Upper Sullivan County, TN
Violence is NOT a normal way to work out disagreements. It’s NEVER OK to hit, push, pinch, punch, kick or throw things. It’s also wrong to call names, threaten, or tell someone else they can’t go places or talk to friends.
These are all forms of violence, and can be against the law.
Be Clear. Know that violence is not a normal part of relationships. You and those you love deserve better.
Communicate. Talk to you partner about what is and is not acceptable behavior. Don’t assume you know how the other person feels or what he or she expects. Tell him or her that abuse will definitely end
your relationship.
Be realistic. You might believe that love will take care of it or that you’ll be able to change the other person in time. This almost never happens.
Develop positive skills. Conflicts are bound to arise in any relationship. Don’t wait until many things build up. Use compromise to resolve disagreements as they come up.
Take a time-out. Whenever you feel your frustration rising to the point you might lose control, say out loud to yourself and your partner “I’m beginning to feel angry. I need to take a time-out.”
Leave for one hour. Do something physical like running. Don’t drink and drive. After one hour go back and try to talk. If you feel angry again, take another time-out.
Ask for help. Couples involved in dating violence need to recognize it and seek professional help. There is no reason to think you can or should handle it alone.
Make others aware. Tell your friends and the other kids in your family what you know. Encourage your parents and teachers to help teens develop safe ways for dealing with intimacy, jealousy and rejection.
Remember... You are not alone.
Contact us anytime at 1-423-764-ABUSE (2287) or 1-800-987-6499. These numbers include linkage to language-line interpreting services for non-English speaking callers. TTY: 423-652-9750.
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