#JustBe Magazine September 2015 | Page 18

RELATIONSHIPS

Love Should
Never Hurt
By: Tarsha Williams

Relationships can be fun, but while it’s important to have fun and enjoy
being around your partner, it’s just as important that you are safe.
Almost 25% of adolescents nationally are victims
of physical, emotional, or sexual violence.

25%

PHYSICAL ABUSE is where someone causes physical pain or injury to
another person. This can involve hitting, slapping, or kicking.
SEXUAL ABUSE involves any kind of unwanted sexual advance. It can
include everything from unwelcome sexual comments, kissing, and touching, to
sex.

Abuse doesn’t always mean that someone hits or hurts your body.

EMOTIONAL ABUSE is anything that harms your self-esteem or causes
shame. This includes saying things that hurt your feelings, making you feel
that you aren’t worthwhile, or trying to control who you see or where you go.

YOU DESERVE A HAPPY AND HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP. If you

or your partner is displaying physical, sexual, or emotional abuse of any kind, it is NOT okay.
If you need or want more information on dating violence take a look at the resources below.
Domestic Violence Hotline / 713.528.2121
Break the Cycle / www.breakthecycle.org

©2015 The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Sexual Assault Hotline / 713.528.7273