Julianna Matthews, age 14; Casey Marie Moore, age 19; Dakota Johnson, age 15; and Na’Jhae Parker, age 13; died suddenly and violently this last year. They are all victims of domestic violence in North Carolina.

How serious is violence among teen relationships?

A recent study done by the Liz Claiborne Foundation and the Family Violence Prevention Agency states that 50% of females teens have been threatened controlled or pressured to do something against their will. One in four say they have been victimized through technology, and one in three say they have been sexually, verbally, physically, or emotionally abused.

There are crisis lines that teens can call for help. Teenagers do not have to give their names.

• Friend to Friend has a 24-hour Crisis Line: 947: 3333
• There is also a 24-hour National Teen Dating Hotline: 866-331-9474

Parents and their teens should study and discuss the “Teen Dating Violence” wheel. All abusive relationships begin with the abuser controlling and isolating his or her partner. See the non-violence wheel for how an example of healthy relationships.

(written by Yvonne Gale)