- Does your boyfriend get jealous when you talk with others?
- Does he put you down?
- Does your boyfriend want to know where you are at all times?
- Does he try to control what you wear to school or when you go out?
- Does your boyfriend say he can’t live without you?
- Does he frighten or intimidate you?
- Does your boyfriend try to make you choose between him and family, school or friends?
- Does he lose his temper, and throw or break things when he’s mad?
- Do you feel like you have to apologize for or explain your boyfriend’s behavior?
- Do you feel like you have to justify your behavior to your boyfriend?
- Are you afraid to break up with your boyfriend?
- Does he threaten to kill himself if you break up with him?
- Has your boyfriend ever hit a wall or a locker near you?
- Has he ever destroyed your stuff?
- Has your boyfriend ever held you down, shoved, hit, or kicked you?
- Stay in touch with friends and stay involved in activities you enjoy.
- Listen to your instincts and believe in yourself. Trust your own judgment if you have concerns about someone you’re dating.
- Learn about teen dating violence and know the warning signs.
- Learn about and seek out healthy relationships.
- Have money and/or a phone or some way to call for help or leave by yourself if you need to.
- Go out in groups or meet up with others when you go out.
- Make and keep a list of helpful phone numbers, like supportive friends, hotlines, etc.
- Keep a dated record of the abuse.
- Plan and rehearse what you would do if your partner confronted you or became physically abusive.
- Go out to public places, meet other people or let other people know where you’ll be.
Protecting yourself after the break-up
- Try not to be alone. Tell friends what is going on. Eat lunch with friends and walk with them to class.
- Tell teachers, counselors, coaches or security guards what is happening.
- Change your routine, ask to rearrange your class schedule.
- Change your cell number.
- Change your route to and from school.
