Teenage Abuse On The Rise

It's all over the news, from celebrities to your average man. There is never a reason for a man to abuse a woman in any way.

There are many forms of abuse. You don't have to physically harm a woman to abuse her. What makes this problem even bigger is statistics show abuse between teenage partners is on the rise. Abuse also does not always have to be a man abusing a woman, the roles can be reversed.

According to DoSomething.org

• Roughly 1.5 million high school boys and girls in the U.S. admit to being intentionally hit or physically harmed in the last year by someone they are romantically involved with.

• Teens who suffer dating abuse are subject to long-term consequences like alcoholism, eating disorders, promiscuity, thoughts of suicide, and violent behavior.

• 1 in 3 young people will be in an abusive or unhealthy relationship.

• 33% of adolescents in America are victim to sexual, physical, verbal, or emotional dating abuse.

• In the U.S., 25% of high school girls have been abused physically or sexually. Teen girls who are abused this way are 6 times more likely to become pregnant or contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

• Females between the ages of 16 and 24 are roughly 3 times more likely than the rest of the population to be abused by an intimate partner

• 8 States in the U.S. do not consider a violent dating relationship domestic abuse. Therefore, adolescents, teens, and 20-somethings are unable to apply for a restraining order for protection from the abuser.

• Violent behavior often begins between 6th and 12th grade. 72% of 13 and 14-year-olds are “dating.”

• 50% of young people who experience rape or physical or sexual abuse will attempt to commit suicide.

• Only 1/3 of the teens who were involved in an abusive relationship confided in someone about the violence.

• Teens who have been abused hesitate to seek help because they do not want to expose themselves or are unaware of the laws surrounding domestic violence.

This problem is something that I see on a daily basis. Whether it's at school or on the internet. Calling a female names, being aggresive, spreading rumors does not make you a man. What makes you a man is being supportive, kind, helpfull, and protective. I am in no way saying a woman cannot defend herself, what I am saying is she should not have to defend herself against a man.

To all the women out there, make sure you act like a lady. You should not treat your boyfriend like a punching bag. If you have become a girls punching bag it is time to walk away!