Dating Violence & Date Rape / Question
Published: July 30, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am a 17-year-old female who has been in a relationship with a now 18-year-old guy for 2 years. Things started off well, but after a while he started to hit me. He now beats me horribly on a regular basis. He took me away from my family and friends (he had me so confused that I didn't even realize it). I now live with him in an apartment that we can barely afford. Two weeks ago he broke several of my ribs, and my nose. After I got out of the hospital, I told him that I wanted to leave him. Now he says that if I leave him, he'll kill himself. He's also said that if I go, he'll kill me, or my family. I don't know what to do. Please, please help me. I'm so scared.
Signed: Boyfriend Will Kill Me If I Leave
Dear Boyfriend Will Kill Me If I Leave,
TeenHealthFX is very concerned about your safety and emotional well being. Your boyfriend (or anyone else, for that matter) does not have the right to harm you or control you. You need to get help right away. We suggest you call or log onto the National Domestic Violence Hotline or call them at 1-800-799-7233. They can get you information on services in your area and on how to get a protective order against your boyfriend.
For more resources, you can also log onto with the Feminist Majority Foundation . Their website has a lot of information about domestic violence resources in various states.
From what you describe you have every right to be scared for your physical safety - your boyfriend has hurt you and has threatened to harm you again. We urge you to seek help right away. This relationship is dangerous to you - there are people who deal professionally with domestic violence who can help protect you.
If you feel like you are in imminent danger, dial 911 for help
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Teen girls ages 15-19 have the highest Gonorrhea rate of any age group.
