Heather's Voice ...speaks to you

National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline 1-866-331-9474 or 1-866-331-8453 TTY National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 TTY
Heather's Voice aims to educate teens about dating violence and domestic abuse. In honor of Heather Norris, we share our memories of a life tragically taken by domestic violence.

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Speak with an eye witness of dating abuse/violence.

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Are You Being Abused?

Some warning signs that you may be in an abusive relationship with your intimate partner:

  • He/she acts extremely jealous or possessive about the time you spend with your friends and family.
  • He/she is constantly calling you to find out where you are or who you're with.
  • He/she pressures you into having sex or taking drugs or alcohol.
  • He/she hits or breaks things to intimidate you.
  • He/she blames you or others for losing his/her temper.
  • He/she controls what you wear, where you go, and who you hang out with.
  • He/she ignores your thoughts and opinions, or makes you afraid to express yourself.

 

Power and Control Wheel

Check out the Equality Wheel for signs of a healthy relationship.

 

Be aware that no one deserves to be abused, and that you can never change your abuser!

Visit KnowTheRedFlags.com
to take a closer look at the red flags of dating violence.

Helplines and Resources

Below is a list of resources to get help if you or someone you know may be a victim of domestic violence and/or dating abuse.

Call a national helpline:

  • Teen Dating Abuse - 1-866-331-9474 or 1-866-331-8453 (TTY)
  • Domestic Violence - 1-800-779-7233 or 1-800-787-3224
  • Suicide and Crisis - 1-800-784-2433 or 1-800-799-4889 (TTY)

Get more information:

Make a safety plan:

  • Think about where you can go for help or who you can call.
  • Before leaving on a date, tell someone where you will be and what time you should be home.
  • Don't be afraid to tell your family or friends when you need help.
  • Consider going on group dates, instead of one-on-one dates, especially if it's with a new person.
  • Keep some spare change or a cell phone handy.
  • Be aware that drugs and alcohol can get in the way of your ability to react in situations

Did You Know?

  • Teen dating violence most often takes place in the home of one of the partners. (Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence)
  • Studies indicate that as a dating relationship becomes more serious, the potential for and nature of violent behavior also escalates. (National Center for Victims of Crime, 2007)
  • Teens identifying as gay, lesbian, and bisexual are as likely to experience violence in same-sex dating relationships as youths involved in opposite-sex dating. (National Center for Victims of Crime, 2007)

Disturbed guy

 


©2007 Heather's Voice