Know Anybody Having a Problem with a Boyfriend or Girlfriend?

Know anybody having a problem with a boyfriend or girlfriend? Are you? Teens may be young, but it doesn't mean they can't get hurt in relationships. We're not talking about broken hearts. We're talking about broken arms.

According to some studies, one-third of teen girls in dating relationships fear for their physical safety. One-half of teens in serious relationships have compromised personal beliefs or done things they didn't want to just to please a partner. One-third have been strongly controlled in what they do, who they talk to and where they go. Don't let yourself be one of these statistics. Dating violence is not okay and it's not your fault.

Starting in February 2007, there will be a phone number to call that is just for teens. The National Domestic Violence Hotline will open a Teen Dating Violence Hotline. It's all about helping teens and helping you if you need it. Skilled listeners who get how it feels to be a young adult will answer calls and provide services and support to teens and young adults and their families.

Teens will also be able to visit the Teen Hotline Web site, which will provide information on dating and relationship violence and there will be online message boards where teens can ask questions and share experiences, or just express their feelings.

The Hotline and Web site will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with trained teens on the lines from 12 pm to 2 am when many calls are expected. Young adult listeners ages 18-24 will also provide overnight services and support to serve more college-aged youth. If something about your relationship scares you, or you are worried about your teen and need help now, call:

National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799- SAFE (7233) (TTY 1-800-787-3224)

You can also visit www.ndvh.org the National Domestic Violence Hotline's Web site to find out more about the Teen Dating Violence Hotline and to provide feedback on how it can best meet the needs of teens and young adults.