Research has shown that the long lasting effects of violent relationships in adolescence put teenagers at a higher risk of substance abuse, eating and mental disorders and further domestic violence down the road. According to Love is Respect, nearly 1.5 million high school students in the United States experience physical abuse from a dating partner in a single year.
Here is a list of red flags that might indicate that your teen is in an abusive relationship:
What to Do
Recognizing abuse is the first step, and doing something about it is the second. Violent relationships-especially physical ones- can escalate into potentially life threatening situations. It’s important to take the necessary steps to protect your teen from any further damage.
Restraining & Protection Orders
Victims of domestic violence have several options to protect themselves from further abuse. Two of those options are Restraining and Protection Orders. Though these orders don’t physically stop a perpetrator from reaching out to a victim, they do allow law enforcement to arrest the abuser if the order is broken.
These orders are designed to keep the abuser away from you and can last between 1-5 years and in extreme cases, a lifetime. These orders can be customized in several ways:
The attorneys at O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Foss are experienced in these cases in Fargo-Moorhead and surrounding communities and can help you seek legal protection from a violent relationship or person. If you or someone you know has or is involved in a domestic dispute, contact our office today at (701) 235-8002. For more information, visit our website.
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