WARNING: Abusers can track your computer activity. If you are in danger, please call 911 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE). And consider using a safer computer such as one from the library or a friend's house.
Domestic violence can happen to anyone at any age. Teens and young women (16-24 years old) are especially vulnerable targets for dating and sexual violence. This includes rape, sexual assault, and stalking. In addition, there are many young people who live in homes where partner violence has occurred, and that is about 15.5 million U.S. children who are affected by violence. (http://endabuse.org/userfiles/file/Teens/teens_facts.pdf)
The following is a diagram illustrating tactics used by abusers to assert their power and control over teen victims of domestic violence. These examples do not happen to everyone but these are actions that might be used over a period of time.Teen Power & Control Wheel (pdf)from The National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence(NCDSV).
The following is a diagram illustrating characteristics of a healthy teen relationship.
http://www.ncdsv.org/images/TeenEqualitywheelNOSHADING-NCDSV.pdf
http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/relationships/healthy_relationship.html
Young women in abusive relationships are 4-6 times more likely to become pregnant. In addition, leaving an abuser for a pregnant teen poses additional barriers and challenges. Like many adults, pregnant teens also fear of being a single parent and do not want to raise their child alone. It may be more fearful for a teen especially if they do not have family support or fear if they found out she was pregnant she would lose privileges. http://www.acphd.org/AXBYCZ/Admin/DataReports/00-youth2006-final.pdf