Discuss Your Concerns - It is never too late to make your feelings clear with your partner. if expressing your concerns leads to more abuse, get help.

Trust Your Gut - If you have concerns about someone you’re dating or want to date, trust your feelings. If the person refuses to discuss your concerns, you should not go out with them.

Believe In Yourself - It’s common to question whether the abuse took place, whether it was really "that bad," and whether it was your fault. But it’s important to stand by your feelings. If you feel you were abused...

Break the Silence:

• Talk with someone. Tell a parent, a relative, a friend, a trusted adult, the school nurse, a doctor, a minister, or a school counselor.

• Call Domestic Violence Hotline or other available crisis line.

• If you’ve been physically or sexually hurt, get medical attention.

• If you fear you’ll be hurt, call the police.

• Consider getting a legal protection order.

• Consider getting counseling, even if the abuse happened long ago.

• Call the domestic violence programs in your area CAWES 1-888-346-5643.

Think of Your Safety - Abusive relationships tend to get worse, not better. Resist the temptation to give the person "one more chance." Realize that by the time you are asked for "one more chance" you have likely already given your partner numerous chances. Refuse to take phone calls and to return messages from the abuser.