Need Help?
If you need immediate help or feel you are in danger, dial 911.
If you are living with fear or know someone who is living in danger, no one is alone. Sojourner advocates can help find realistic, safer, and hopeful options.
To speak with an advocate call: 952-933-7422
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is a crime. It is a pattern of abusive behavior intended to exert power and control over another person, usually a spouse or intimate partner. Abusive behaviors may include: physical, verbal, mental, or sexual abuse, hurting pets or destroying property, financial control, and other behaviors directed towards intimidating and controlling an intimate partner or family member.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is any forced or unwanted sexual activity where physical force, threats, or intimidation were used to exert power and control over the victim. Rape and sexual assault are crimes.
Dating Violence
Dating violence is when one person purposely hurts, scares or intimidates someone they are dating. It often starts with emotional abuse that isolates you from friends and family and works to undermine your self-confidence and self-esteem. Without intervention, these abusive behaviors can lead to more serious abuse.
Teen Dating Violence
Domestic violence isn’t just something that happens to adults – it happens to young people too. Teen dating violence involves many of the same abuse tactics adults experience, including social isolation, digital abuse, and stalking or harassment. Abuse can also happen in friendships or families.
"On a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide. You are not alone"
- NCADV
Are you in an abusive relationship?
If you answer "YES" to one or more of the questions below, you could be in an abusive relationship.
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Do you feel like you are walking on eggshells to keep things calm?
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Do you feel like a prisoner in your own home?
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Does he/she call you names or ridicule you?
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Does he/she call to threaten or harass you?
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Does he/she shove, slap, kick or punch you?
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Does he/she abuse or threaten your children?
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Does he/she prevent you from talking to or seeing family or friends?
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Does he/she destroy your personal belongings?
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Do you feel spied upon or stalked?
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Does he/she constantly monitor you?
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Do you feel forced to have sex when you don’t want to?
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Does he/she listen to your phone calls, read/respond to text messages on your phone, or keep you from using it?
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Does he/she accuse you of lying or having affairs?
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Does he/she obsessively control family income?
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Does he/she prevent you from getting or keeping a job?
Teen Dating Violence
No matter what the age, everyone deserves to be safe, loved, and respected in their relationships. If you’re a young adult in need of support, we’re here to help. Whether you’re looking for support for yourself or a friend, we can help talk through your options, recommend further resources, or just be a listening ear.
Remember, relationships exist on a spectrum from healthy to abusive. If you recognize any of the unhealthy or abusive behaviors below, it might be a sign that you’re being harmed in your relationship.
Image Source: LoveisRespect.com
Still not sure if your relationship is healthy or not? Try taking this quiz: Is Your Relationship Healthy?
Teen years can be an overwhelming time for young people, but know that you don’t have to do everything on your own.
When you’re ready, call our confidential crisis line and talk to an advocate 24/7: 952-933-7422
Other Teen Resources:
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Love is Respect: Call 1.866.331.9474 or text LOVEIS to 22522
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Love is Respect provides tools to support young people ages 14-24 in their dating relationships through free, confidential services via chat, text, and phone. They also provide support to concerned friends and family members.
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The Trevor Project: Call 1.866.488.7386 or text START to 678-678
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The Trevor Project is an organization that provides free and confidential mental health services to LGBTQ+ youth. Counselors are available 24/7 and will listen without judgement.
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