If you are in a relationship and feel scared or pressurised into doing things you don’t want then this is not okay. If you feel uncomfortable or unhappy and uncertain about what is happening then it may be an abusive relationship.  A loving relationship is based on respect not fear. Abusive behaviour may include some or all of these things:

• Physical - from pushing to slapping and punching.
• Sexual – being forced or pressurised into sex or sexual behaviour that you are not comfortable with.
• Emotional – intimidating, scaring, putting down, checking up on constantly, name-calling.
• Financial - taking money, using your mobile phone without permission, theft, if you’re living together – not contributing financially, not allowing you money if you are dependent.

These things are not okay, and research shows that relationships that are abusive get worse not better over time.

An abusive relationship may start off seeming healthy, but there are some warning signs that things might change.  Here are a few:

Warning Signs

• You are seeing your friends and family less and less.
• Sometimes you feel scared of how your partner will react.
• You feel bad about yourself because your partner is criticising you.
• You don't express your opinions because you are scared of being made to feel small.
• You haven't an equal say in decisions.
• You are constantly contacted by mobile phones.

If you are worried about your relationship, remember you can talk to someone or contact one of the numbers on the homepage.  You are not alone.  Other teenagers are experiencing the same things.