miraculousladybugandconsent
You have the right to a healthy relationship
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[Header and Icon ID: Black text on a red background. The header reads: "You have the right to be treated with respect", and the icon reads: "You have the right to be happy". End ID.]
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i'm a bit confused. what is this? there's good info & advice here, but i'm a bit confused on what it has to do with miraculous ladybug...?
It's a blog specifically aimed at educating people in the Miraculous Ladybug fandom on what is or is not a healthy relationship, since education on these topics is sorely lacking in this fandom. People watching this show are being presented with unhealthy and even abusive relationships that are portrayed as healthy, and that is not okay. This blog is an attempt to educate the children in this fandom so that they can understand what abuse is and be able to recognize unhealthy or abusive relationships so they can stay safe.
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Sexual Harassment and Sexual Bullying
Even if you've never been bullied or harassed, chances are you know someone who has.
Harassment can be a big problem for kids and teens, especially when smartphones, online messaging, and social media sites make it easy for bullies to do their thing.
When bullying behavior involves unwanted sexual comments, suggestions, advances, or threats to another person, it's called sexual harassment or sexual bullying.
Here's what you need to know and what you can do if you or someone you care about is being sexually harassed or bullied.
What Are Sexual Bullying and Harassment?
Just like other kinds of bullying, sexual harassment can involve comments, gestures, actions, or attention that is intended to hurt, offend, or intimidate another person. With sexual harassment, the focus is on things like a person's appearance, body parts, sexual orientation, or sexual activity.
Sexual harassment may be verbal (like making comments about someone), but it doesn't have to be spoken. Bullies may use technology to harass someone sexually (like sending inappropriate text messages, pictures, or videos).
Sometimes sexual harassment can even get physical when someone tries to kiss or touch someone that does not want to be kissed or touched.
Sexual harassment doesn't just happen to girls, either. Boys can harass girls, girls also can harass boy, guys can harass other boys, and girls can harass other girls.
Sexual harassment isn't limited to people of the same age, either. Adults sometimes sexually harass young people (and, occasionally, teens may harass adults, though that's pretty rare). But most of the time, when sexual harassment happens to teens, it's being done by people in the same age group.
Sexual harassment and bullying are very similar �� they both involve unwelcome or unwanted sexual comments, attention, or physical contact. So why call one thing by two different names?
Sometimes schools and other places use one term or the other for legal reasons. For instance, a school document may use the term "bullying" to describe what's against school policy, while a law might use the term "harassment" to define what's against the law.
Some behaviors might be against school policy and also against the law.
For the person who is being targeted, though, it doesn't make much difference if something is called bullying or harassment. This kind of behavior is upsetting no matter what it's called.
Like anyone who's being bullied, people who are sexually harassed can feel threatened and scared and experience a great deal of emotional stress.
What Behaviors Count?
Some pictures, images, jokes, language, and contact are called "inappropriate" for a reason.
If a behavior or interaction makes you uncomfortable or upset, talk to a trusted adult. It may fall into the sexual harassment or bullying category.
Sexual harassment or bullying can include:
making sexual jokes, comments, or gestures to or about someone
spreading sexual rumors (in person, by text, or online)
writing sexual messages about people on bathroom stalls or in other public places
showing someone inappropriate sexual pictures or videos
asking someone to send you naked pictures of themselves
posting sexual comments, pictures, or videos on social networks like Facebook, or sending explicit text messages
making sexual comments or offers while pretending to be someone else online
touching, grabbing, or pinching someone in a deliberately sexual way, including hugging, holdings hands, or kissing
pulling at someone's clothing or brushing up against them in a purposefully sexual way
asking someone to go out over and over again, even after the person has  said no
Sending sexual messages or images by text, or "sexting," is not a good idea for many reasons.
Sexting can lead to problems for you and the person getting the text, even when you are dating or in a relationship with that person.
In some cases these messages can be considered harassment or bullying and can bring very serious consequences. Also, messages or images you intend to be private can get into the wrong hands and be used to embarrass, intimidate, or humiliate you.
Even if you send someone's picture just to one other person, it can be forwarded to many other people or posted online for the world to see.
Forcing another person into doing things they don't want to do, such as kissing, oral sex, or intercourse, goes beyond sexual harassment or bullying. Forcing someone to do sexual things is sexual assault or rape, and it's a serious crime.
Flirting or Harassment?
Sometimes people who make sexual jokes or comments laugh off their behavior as innocent flirting, and you might be tempted to do the same. So what's the difference between flirting and sexual harassment?
Here are three examples of flirting versus harassment:
1) You and your crush have been flirting and you both start making jokes about sexting. Your crush asks if you'd ever do that. You say, "No way!"
With normal flirting, that's the end of it. But if your crush starts pressuring you to send sexual pictures, then it's getting into harassment territory
2) Someone in class says your new jeans look great. That's a compliment. But if they say your new jeans make your butt look great, or they make comments about specific body parts, that's crossing the line.
3) Someone you're not attracted to asks you to go to a dance. It seems harsh to say you're not interested, so you make up an excuse. They may ask you out again later when you aren’t busy, but eventually they will get the hint.
This is a normal social interaction.
But if the person hits on you in a creepy way — like making references to sex or your body, sending sexual messages, always showing up wherever you happen to be, or trying to touch you, hug you, kiss you, bother you, or continually asks you out even after you’ve told them you’re not interested — that's harassment.
Some things may be awkward, but they don't count as harassment. A guy who blurts out a sex-related swearword because he spills his lunch tray isn't likely to be trying to harass or bother you. But if someone is deliberately doing or saying sexual things that make you uncomfortable, it's probably sexual harassment.
Not sure? Ask yourself, "Is this something I wanted to happen or I want to continue happening? How does it make me feel?"
If it doesn't feel right, talk to a parent, teacher, guidance counselor, or someone else you trust.
How to Handle Sexual Harassment
If you think you're being harassed, don't blame yourself. People who harass or bully can be very manipulative.
They are often very good at blaming their victim — and even at making victims blame themselves.
But no one has the right to sexually harass or bully anyone else, no matter what. There is no such thing as "asking for it.”, and there is never an excuse.
There's no single "right" way to respond to sexual harassment. Each situation is unique.
It often can be helpful to start by telling the person doing the harassing to stop. Let him or her know that this behavior is not okay with you. Sometimes that will be enough, but not always.
The harasser may not stop. They might even laugh off your request, tease you, or bother you more, just to upset you.
That's why it's important to share what's happening with an adult you trust.
Is there a parent, relative, coach, or teacher you can talk to? More and more schools have a designated person who's there to talk about bullying issues, so find out if there's someone at your school.
Most schools have a sexual harassment policy or a bullying policy to protect you. Ask a guidance counselor, school nurse, or administrator about your school's policy.
If you find the adult you talk to doesn't take your complaints seriously at first, you may have to repeat yourself or find someone else who will listen. If you can’t find anyone who will listen to you, keep telling more people until someone listens. 
There's no doubt it can feel embarrassing to talk about sexual harassment at first. But that uncomfortable feeling quickly wears off after a minute or so of conversation.
In most cases, telling someone sooner leads to faster results and fewer problems down the line, so it's worth it.
It can help to keep a record of the events that have happened. Write down dates and short descriptions in a journal. Save any offensive pictures, videos, texts, or messages as evidence. That way you'll have them if your school or family has to take legal action.
To avoid going through feeling upset all over again, save this evidence someplace where you don't have to see it every day.
If You See Something, Say Something
Bystanders play an important role in stopping bullying and sexual harassment. If you see someone who is being harassed, take action.
If it feels safe and natural to speak up, say, "Come on, let's get out of here" to the person you see getting bullied or bothered. You probably shouldn't try to change the bully's behavior by yourself, but it is okay to let the bully know people are watching and will be getting involved.
If you don't feel you can say something at the time you see the incident, report the event to a teacher or principal. This isn't snitching, it's standing up for what's right.
No one deserves to be harassed.
You could also talk to the victim afterward and offer support. Say that you think what happened is not okay and offer some ideas for dealing with harassment.
If You Suspect Something
You won't always see sexual harassment or bullying happening. A friend who is going through it might not talk about it. They may be embarassed or ashamed, or blame themselves.
Sometimes people show signs that something's wrong even if they don't talk about it.
Maybe a normally upbeat friend seems sad, worried, or distracted.
Perhaps a friend has lost interest in hanging out or doing stuff.
Maybe someone you know avoids school or has falling grades.
Changes like these are often signs that something's going on. It may not be sexual harassment or bullying (things like mood swings or changes in eating habits can be signs of many different things). But it is a chance for you to ask if everything's okay.
Support them in any way you can, and encourage them to tell an adult immediately. 
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Abusive Relationships
Healthy Relationships = Respect & Trust
Healthy relationships involve respect, trust, and consideration for the other person.
Abusive relationships don’t have these qualities. Instead, they involve mistreatment, disrespect, intense jealousy, controlling behavior, or physical violence.
What Is Abuse?
Abuse can be physical, emotional, or sexual. Physical abuse means any form of violence, such as hitting, punching, pulling hair, and kicking. Abuse can happen in both romantic relationships and friendships.
Emotional abuse can be difficult to recognize. Sometimes people mistake intense jealousy and possessiveness as a sign of intense feelings of love. It may even seem flattering at first. Threats, intimidation, putdowns, controlling behavior, and betrayal are all harmful forms of emotional abuse that can really hurt — not just during the time it's happening, but long after too.
Sexual abuse can happen to anyone, guy, girl, or nonbinary, in any kind of relationship, whether it’s straight or queer.
Guys can abuse girls, girls can abuse guys, girls can abuse nonbinary people, guys can abuse nonbinary people, nonbinary people can abuse guys, and nonbinary people can abuse girls.
Anyone can be a victim of abuse, and anyone can be an abuser.
It's never right to be forced into any type of sexual experience that you don't want.
The first step in getting out of an abusive relationship is to realize that you have the right to be treated with respect, and not be physically or emotionally harmed by another person.
Signs of Abusive Relationships
Important warning signs that you may be involved in an abusive relationship include when someone:
-Harms you physically in any way, including slapping, pushing, grabbing, shaking, smacking, kicking, and punching. This also includes sexual abuse such as kissing, touching, or groping you when you don’t want them to.
-Tries to control different aspects of your life, such as how you dress, who you hang out with, who is allowed to talk to you, and what you say
-Frequently humiliates you or makes you feel unworthy (for example, if a partner puts you down but tells you that they love you anyways), or tries to upset and insult you on purpose
-Threatens to harm you, or them, if you leave the relationship or get into an argument with them
-Twists the truth to make you feel you are to blame for your partner's actions. When they do something wrong, they try to turn it around so that it is your fault, even if you didn’t do anything.
-Demands to know where you are at all times
-Constantly becomes jealous or angry when you want to spend time with your other friends, or tries to drive a wedge between you and your friends
Unwanted sexual advances that make you uncomfortable are also red flags.
Saying things like "If you loved me, you would . . ." is a warning of possible abuse, and a sign that your partner is trying to manipulate you
A statement like this is controlling and is used by people who are only concerned about getting what they want — not caring about what you want.
Even if you are dating, even if you are in love, it is never okay for someone to force you to do anything sexual with them. This includes kissing as well as more obviously sexual activities.
Trust your intuition. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.
Signs That a Friend Is Being Abused
In addition to the signs listed above, here are some signs a friend might be being abused by a partner:
unexplained bruises, broken bones, sprains, or marks
excessive guilt or shame for no apparent reason
secrecy or withdrawal from friends and family
avoidance of school or social events with excuses that don't seem to make any sense
sudden change in personality - someone who used to be cheerful might suddenly seem sad or uncharacteristically quiet
A person who is being abused needs someone to hear and believe them.
Maybe your friend is afraid to tell a parent because that will bring pressure to end the relationship.
People who are abused often feel like it's their fault — that they "asked for it" or that they don't deserve any better, but abuse is never deserved. No one ever deserves to be abused.
Help your friend understand that it is not their fault. Your friend does not deserve to be mistreated. The person who is being abusive has a serious problem, and needs professional help.
A friend who is being abused needs you to listen and support without judging. It takes courage to admit being abused.
Your friend also needs your encouragement to get help immediately from an adult, such as a parent, family member, or health professional. 
How to Help Yourself
If you think you're in an abusive relationship, it's time to get out of it.
Confide in someone, such as a parent, trusted adult, health provider, or friend.
Let them support you and help you end the relationship and stay safe.
If you have been physically harmed, get medical attention or call the police. Get help from a counselor or therapist if you feel confused or unsure of whether you're in an abusive relationship.
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Am I in a Healthy Relationship?
It Feels Like Love — But Is It?
It's totally normal to look at the world through rose-colored glasses in the early stages of a relationship. But for some people, those rose-colored glasses turn into blinders that keep them from seeing that a relationship isn't as healthy as it should be.
What Makes a Healthy Relationship?
Hopefully, you and your significant other are treating each other well. Not sure if that's the case? Take a step back from the dizzying sensation of being swept off your feet and think about whether your relationship has these qualities:
Mutual respect. 
Does he or she get how great you are and why? Make sure your BF or GF is into you for who you are.
Does your partner listen when you say you're not comfortable doing something and then back off right away, without trying to get you to change your mind?
Respect in a relationship means that each person values the other and understands — and would never challenge — the other person's boundaries.
Trust.
You're talking with a guy from French class and your boyfriend walks by. Does he completely lose his cool, or keep walking because he knows you'd never cheat on him?
It's okay to get a little jealous sometimes — jealousy is a natural emotion. But how a person reacts when feeling jealous is what matters.
There's no way you can have a healthy relationship if you don't trust each other.
Honesty.
This one goes hand-in-hand with trust, because it's tough to trust someone when one of you isn't being honest.
Have you ever caught your girlfriend in a major lie?
Like she told you that she had to work on Friday night but it turned out she was at the movies with her friends?
The next time she says she has to work, you'll have a lot more trouble believing her, and the trust will be on shaky ground.
Support.
It's not just in bad times that your partner should support you.
Some people are great when your whole world is falling apart, but not that interested in hearing about the good things in your life.
In a healthy relationship, your significant other is there with a shoulder to cry on when you find out your parents are getting divorced and to celebrate with you when you get the lead in a play.
Fairness/equality.
You need to have give-and-take in your relationship.
Do you take turns choosing which new movie to see?
As a couple, do you hang out with your partner's friends as often as they hang out with yours?
You'll know if it isn't a pretty fair balance.
Things get bad really fast when a relationship turns into a power struggle, with one person fighting to get their way all the time.
Separate identities.
In a healthy relationship, everyone needs to make compromises, but that doesn't mean you should feel like you're losing out on being yourself.
When you started going out, you both had your own lives (families, friends, interests, hobbies, etc.) and that shouldn't change.
Neither of you should have to pretend to like something you don't, or give up seeing your friends, or drop out of activities you love.
And you also should feel free to keep developing new talents or interests, making new friends, and moving forward.
Good communication.
Can you talk to each other and share feelings that are important to you?
Don't keep feelings bottled up because you're afraid it's not what your partner wants to hear.
And if you need some time to think something through before you're ready to talk about it, the right person will give you some space to do that.
What's an Unhealthy Relationship?
A relationship is unhealthy when it involves mean, disrespectful, controlling, or abusive behavior.
Some people live in homes with parents who fight a lot or abuse each other — emotionally, verbally, or physically. For some people who have grown up around this kind of behavior it can almost seem normal or okay, but it's not!
Many of us learn from watching and imitating the people close to us. So someone who has lived around violent or disrespectful behavior may not have learned how to treat others with kindness and respect, or how to expect the same treatment. This does not make it okay to disrespect you!
Qualities like kindness and respect are absolute requirements for a healthy relationship.
Someone who doesn't yet have this part down may need to work on it with a trained therapist before he or she is ready for a relationship.
Meanwhile, even though you might feel bad or feel for someone who's been mistreated, you need to take care of yourself — it's not healthy to stay in a relationship that involves abusive behavior of any kind.
Even if your partner was or is being abused, it is never okay for them to abuse you, and you aren’t a bad person for keeping yourself safe.
Warning Signs
When a boyfriend or girlfriend uses verbal insults, mean language, nasty putdowns, gets physical by hitting or slapping, or forces someone into sexual activity, it's a sign of verbal, emotional, or physical abuse.
Ask yourself, does my partner:
get angry when I don't drop everything for them?
criticize the way I look or dress, and say I'll never be able to find anyone else who would date me?
keep me from seeing friends or from talking to other guys or girls?
want me to quit an activity, even though I love it?
ever raise a hand when angry, like they were about to hit me?
try to force me to go further sexually than I want to?
These aren't the only questions you can ask yourself. If you can think of any way in which your partner is trying to control you, make you feel bad about yourself, isolate you from the rest of your world, or — this is a big one — harm you physically or sexually, then it's time to get out, fast.
Let a trusted friend or family member know what's going on, and make sure you're safe.
It can be tempting to make excuses or misinterpret violence, possessiveness, or anger as an expression of love.But even if you know that the person hurting you loves you, it is not healthy.
No one deserves to be hit, shoved, or forced into anything they don't want to do.
Why Are Some Relationships So Difficult?
Ever heard about how it's hard for someone to love you when you don't love yourself? It's a big relationship roadblock when one or both people struggle with self-esteem problems.
Your partner isn't there to make you feel good about yourself if you can't do that on your own.
Focus on being happy with yourself, and don't take on the responsibility of worrying about someone else's happiness.
What if you feel that your girlfriend or boyfriend needs too much from you? If the relationship feels like a burden or a drag instead of a joy, it might be time to think about whether it's a healthy match for you.
Even if your partner is mentally ill, or struggling with something in their personal life, it doesn’t mean you have to stay with them. A relationship is supposed to benefit both sides and make you both happy. If all it’s doing is making you miserable, it’s okay to end it.
You are never obligated to stay in a relationship, no matter your reasons for ending it. 
If your partner ever threatens you with hurting themselves if you leave them, tell a trusted adult immediately, and end the relationship. Even if someone is mentally ill, it is never okay to threaten self-harm or suicide to keep someone in a relationship, and you are not responsible for their actions, even if they try to blame you. Tell a trusted adult that your partner was threatening to hurt themselves, and end the relationship.
Manipulating someone with the threat of self-harm or suicide is abusive, and it is never okay.
If you are struggling with suicidal ideation or thought of self-harm, talk to a trusted adult or call a helpline. You can talk to your partner about the way you feel, but it is not okay for you to use your mental illness as a threat or a manipulation tactic.
Feeling suicidal doesn’t always mean you want to die, wishing you didn’t exist or were never born is another common symptom. Click here to find out how you can get help if you’re feeling suicidal or want to hurt yourself.
Another reason relationships might seem so difficult is because intense relationships can be hard for teens.
Some are so focused on their own developing feelings and responsibilities that they don't have the emotional energy it takes to respond to someone else's feelings and needs in a close relationship.
Don't worry if you're just not ready yet. You can take all the time you need, even if you decide you never want to date at all.
Ever notice that some teen relationships don't last very long? It's no wonder — you're both still growing and changing every day. You might seem perfect for each other at first, but that can change. If you try to hold on to the relationship anyway, there's a good chance it will turn sour. Better to part as friends than to stay in something that you've outgrown or that no longer feels right for one or both of you.
And before you go looking for amour from that hottie from French class, respect your current beau by breaking things off before you make your move. Cheating isn’t okay, no matter your reasons.
Relationships can be full of fun, romance, excitement, intense feelings, and occasional heartache, too.
Whether you're single or in a relationship, remember that it's good to be choosy about who you get close to. If you're still waiting, take your time and get to know plenty of people, and know that no choice needs to be permanent.
Think about the qualities you value in a friendship, and see how they match up with the ingredients of a healthy relationship.
Work on developing those good qualities in yourself — they make you a lot more attractive to others.
And if you're already part of a pair, make sure the relationship you're in brings out the best in both of you.
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What is Abuse?
Abuse is when someone hurts or causes emotional stress to someone else. Abuse can affect anyone. It can happen in any kind of relationship, like a friendship, romantic relationship, or among family members.
Abuse can happen in many ways. Hate crimes directed at people because of their race, religion, abilities, gender, or sexual orientation are also abuse.
What Are the Types of Abuse?
Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse are some of the most known types of abuse.
Physical abuse is when someone hurts another person's body. It includes hitting, shaking, burning, pinching, biting, choking, throwing, beating, and other actions that cause physical injury, leave marks, or cause pain.
Sexual abuse includes any type of sexual contact between an adult and anyone younger than 18, or between a significantly older child and a younger child. It's also sexual abuse at any age if one person overpowers or coerces another.
Emotional abuse happens when yelling and anger go too far or when important adults constantly criticize, threaten, or talk down to kids or teens until their self-esteem is damaged and they feel really bad about themselves. Emotional abuse can hurt and cause damage just as physical and sexual abuse do.
Another form of abuse is online abuse, which is emotional or sexual abuse that happens in the virtual world:
Online emotional abuse is any type of online message sent to bully or hurt another person (like an intimidating or threatening message).
Online sexual abuse is when someone is asked to share inappropriate pictures of themselves, take part in sexual activities via webcam or smartphone, and/or have sexual conversations by text or online chat.
Sometimes, the people who do this give or promise to give things to get someone to go along with these activities. The lasting effects of this abuse include images and videos that can be shared long after the abuse stops.
Other types of abuse include:
Neglect is when a child or teen doesn't have enough food, housing, clothes, medical care, access to school, or supervision. Emotional neglect happens when a parent doesn't provide enough emotional support or rarely pays attention to their child. This isn't when parents don't give their kids something they want, like a new computer or a smartphone. It refers to basic needs like food, shelter, and love.
Domestic violence is when two adults physically abuse each other or when one adult hurts another. Domestic violence can be hard for a child or teen to watch and can get a young person hurt, especially if adults throw or damage items when fighting.
Bullying someone through scaring, threats, or teasing can be just as abusive and traumatic as beating someone up.
Recognizing Abuse
Recognizing abuse can be hard for someone who has lived with it for many years, or is being abused by someone they know or trust.
Teens might mistakenly think that it's their fault for not doing what their parents tell them, breaking rules, or not living up to someone's expectations.
Growing up in a family where there is violence or abuse can make someone think that is the right way or the only way for family members to treat each other. Somebody who has only known an abusive relationship might think that hitting, beating, pushing, shoving, or angry name-calling are normal ways to treat someone when you're angry, but this doesn’t make it okay for them to treat other like this.
Seeing parents treat each other in abusive ways might lead their kids to think that's okay in relationships, but abuse is not a normal or healthy way to treat people.
If you're not sure you are being abused, or if you suspect a friend is, it's always okay to ask a trusted adult or friend.
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What Are the Effects of Abuse?
Yelling and anger can happen in lots of parent–teen relationships and in friendships, but if punishments, arguments, or yelling go too far or last too long, it can lead to stress and other serious problems.
Abuse may affect a teen's self-esteem, mood, focus, quality of sleep, or interest in activities they once enjoyed.
The effects of abuse can affect every aspect of a person's life and the effects often last long after the abuse stops.
The impact of abuse can be different for everyone because a person's response to abuse is based on many things, like their age at the time of the abuse or how much support they have in their life. So it's important to get help as soon as possible.
What Can Stop Someone From Reporting Abuse?
Teens who have been abused often feel afraid, numb, or confused about what is happening to them. They may feel guilty, ashamed, or embarrassed and blame themselves. But abuse is never the fault of the person who is being abused, no matter how much the abuser tries to blame others.
People who are abused might have trouble getting help because it means reporting someone they love — someone who may be wonderful much of the time and awful to them only some of the time.
It's normal to be worried or afraid of what could happen by reporting abuse, either because they fear what the abuser may do or how the family will feel if the abuser has to leave the home.
For reasons like these, it can be hard to reach out for help, even though it's important to do so.
How Can Someone Who's Being Abused Get Help?
People who are being abused need to get help. Keeping the abuse a secret doesn't protect anyone from being abused — it only makes it more likely that the abuse will continue and possibly affect more people.
If you need help right away and are in danger, call 911. Tell them your name and where you are so they can get you help.
If you or someone you know is being abused, talk to an adult you or your friend can trust — a family member, a trusted teacher, a doctor, or a school or religious youth counselor.
Many teachers and counselors have training in how to recognize and report abuse.
If the first adult you tell does not seem to listen, keep telling adults until someone responds.
Getting help and support is an important first step.
Working with a therapist can help teens sort through the complicated feelings and reactions that being abused creates. The process can help a teen rebuild feelings of safety and confidence.
Most teens who get the help they need report feeling much better about themselves.
It takes a lot of courage to talk about this kind of thing, and sometimes it takes a while to feel strong enough to talk about it. That's okay. Just know that, in the end, telling a safe person is the bravest thing you can do. It can feel really good to take steps to stay safe and happy and stop abuse from happening.
If you can't tell a trusted adult, contact a crisis support group. 
If you live in the United States: contact Childhelp USA, or call or text (800) 422-4453
National Domestic Violence/Abuse Hotline, or (800) 799-7233
Outside the U.S., visit Child Helpline International to find help in your area.
Sometimes people who are being abused by someone at home need to find a safe place to live for a while. It is never easy to have to leave home. But it's important to be protected from more abuse. If you call a helpline, they can also help you find a safe place to stay, if needed.
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Dating Bill of Rights
In Dating Relationships, I Have the Right:
To always be treated with respect.
To be in a healthy relationship.
To not be physically, sexually or emotionally abused.
To enjoy friends and activities apart from my romantic partner.
To express myself honestly.
To recognize my culture and identities.
To determine my values and set limits.
To decide what I share and with whom.
To say no.
To feel safe.
To be treated as an equal.
To feel comfortable being myself.
To leave or stay.
In Dating Relationships, I Have the Responsibility:
To communicate my values and limits.
To respect my romantic partner’s limits, values, feelings and privacy.
To accept my romantic partner’s culture and identities.
To not physically, sexually or emotionally abuse.
To listen.
To be considerate.
To communicate clearly, honestly and respectfully.
To give my romantic partner space to enjoy activities and friendships outside of our relationship.
To not exert power or control in relationships.
To compromise when needed.
To admit to being wrong when appropriate.
To ask for help from friends, family and mentors.
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