While most people are wearing their pink all month to support breast cancer it is important to remember that October is also Domestic Violence Awareness month.

1 in 3 American teenagers will encounter domestic violence while still in high school. That means that 1 in 3 Americans will have known someone personally who is or has been a victim of domestic violence at some point in their life; and in of 40% of these cases (possibly more), the victim is male.

In order to understand domestic abuse, and know if you or someone you know is in an unhealthy relationship it is first important to know the warning signs of an abusive relationship (thanks to breakthecycle.org for the list of warning signs):

-Checking Phone, Social Media, Email, etc. WITHOUT permission

-Extreme Jealousy or Possessiveness

-Constantly belittling

-Explosive Temper

-False Accusations

-Isolation from Family and Friends

-Mood swings towards you

-Controlling behavior (saying what you can or can’t do)

-Pressuring into sex or sex acts

-Inflicting Pain/Hurting You

It is important to remember that the victim is never at fault when it comes to domestic violence. If you know someone who is the victim of domestic violence it is important that they know it is not their fault, that you are there for them, and that they can get help.

Below is a list of hotlines put together by breakthecycle.org

Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: 1-866-331-9474

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673

Trevor Lifeline (for LGBTQ* youth): 1-866-488-7386

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

National Runaway Safeline: 1-800-786-2929

National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-800-799-7233

National Hotline for Crime Victims: 1-855-484-2846

National Street Harassment Hotline: 1-855-897-5910