Dating Violence & Date Rape / Question
Published: February 11, 2008
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Hi. Sometimes i think that my bf physically abuses me. Like, i started to begin to notice that i have some bruises when me and my friend were talkin about how her bf hits her. Wel anyways, i asked my bf if he thinks that he hits me and surprisingly, he admmits that he does but he also said that he does that because he cares. Does that mean hes not trying to hurt me? Am i bein physically abused? what should ii do ?!?!
Signed: Am I Being Physically Abused By My Boyfriend?
Dear Am I Being Physically Abused By My Boyfriend?,
If your boyfriend hits, scratches, punches, pushes, shoves, kicks, slaps, or does anything else to you in a physically aggressive way then you are in a physically abusive relationship. And hitting is not about caring or teaching or loving – it is about anger and control, and it is not okay in dating relationships under any circumstance. Your boyfriend clearly needs professional help to address these anger management issues, and FX also thinks that it is important that you meet with a professional who is trained in working with victims of domestic violence so that you can get the help you need to establish healthier dating relationships for yourself.
FX would like you to read the questions/answers to “What Classifies an Abusive Relationship” and “Could I Be In An Abusive Relationship” under the Rape, Abuse and Violence section of the website. These questions/answers will give you more information about how to tell whether or not you are in an abusive relationship, as well as to give you the information and resources you need to get professional help and to get safely get out of an abusive relationship.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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