Questionable Relationships / Question
Published: March 13, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I'm worried about my friend. She has a boyfriend, and he throws around the idea of killing other people like it's nothing. I don't even know the guy, and he said that if he ever met me, he'd kill me. I know that he has a collection of guns and I'm worried for her safety. Everytime I tell her she's in a possibly dangerous situation, she changes the subject. What am I supposed to do?!!??!!?!
Signed: Boyfriend Talks About Killing People
Dear Boyfriend Talks About Killing People,
TeenHealthFX is very concerned about you, your friend, AND especially her boyfriend. We are glad that you are taking this situation seriously. FX recommends that you tell a trusted adult like your parents, a teacher or a guidance counselor about this immediately. Let this person know that you are really worried and would like help dealing with this situation. You can even show them this question and answer to show them just how much you are concerned. The trusted adult can then take the responsibility of reporting this situation to his parents and possibly the police.
You may be feeling upset and worried about how taking action will affect your friendship, but the fact that your friend changes the subject every time you express concern is probably an indication that she is aware that she is involved in a dangerous situation.
The best thing that you can do for your friend is to get her the help she needs. If what this guy is saying turns out to be just harmless talk, you and your friend will feel relieved. If these threats have some truth to them, then the boyfriend needs help. Getting assistance now may help to prevent a violent crime from occurring.
Do not delay; report this to an adult ASAP.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
One out of every six American women have been the victims of an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime. A total of 17.7 million women have been victims of these crimes. 
