Is My Friend a Victim?

Do you have a friend you’re worried about? Maybe you’ve noticed changes in their behavior or style that worry you. There are obvious signs of dating violence.

Injured

Your friend has unexplained bruises, broken bones, sprains, or marks.

Isolated

He or she only spends time with the partner. When your friend is with you (which is rare), they are always on the phone or texting the boyfriend/girlfriend.

Absent

Your friend gives excuses for why they can’t do the things that they used to. They drop out of activities they used to enjoy.

Edgy

Your friend seems nervous and moody.

Scared

The person seems constantly afraid of how their boyfriend/girlfriend will react to their behavior.

Humiliated

Your friend's partner embarrasses the person in front of you, called them names or insulting them.

Altered

Your friend changes the way they act or dress (often more conservatively or more seductively).

Flaky

Your friend suddenly tends to cancel plans at the last minute with bad excuses.

Extreme

The person starts doing things he/she never did in the past, like smoke cigarettes, do drugs, or drink alcohol.

Evasive

Your friend makes excuses for her gf/bf's behavior.

If you recognize two or more of these behaviors, your friend may be in an abusive relationship. Point your friend in the right directions by offering them our resources on teen dating abuse or suggest Break the Cycle's Safe Space. If they want to ask questions before taking action, they can ask anything or call 1.866.331.9474, the National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline for immediate help!

Sources:

Teen Against Abuse

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence