Resources

Every story is as unique as the survivor who lived it. We respect each individual's right to choose their relationship journey, but encourage you to utilize the resources provided and create a plan that puts your safety first.
 

Don't Ignore the Signs

Healthy Relationship Behaviors
Unhealthy Relationship Behaviors

Safety Planning

 
Two major challenges in teen dating relationships include:
  1. Coming to the realization that your relationship is unhealthy
  2. Knowing how to leave an unhealthy or abusive dating relationship
Everyone deserves to be in healthy, respectful relationships and we encourage any teen who finds themselves in an unhealthy or abusive relationship to get the help they need to leave that relationship, if possible. Sometimes there are extreme circumstances in which leaving an abusive relationship might pose more risk than staying.
Whether you choose to stay in an unhealthy relationship or leave, you should seek the help of a professional to create a plan for your safety. Sometimes this plan involves steps to leaving an abusive relationship, and sometimes it involves a plan to help keep yourself as safe as possible if you choose to stay. Whatever the case, a safety plan is vital to putting your safety first.

Leaving an Unhealthy Relationship


Here are some guidelines that might help if you choose to leave an unhealthy dating relationship.
 
* Please note, these tips are for leaving an unhealthy or abusive relationship; they are not break-up tips for healthy relationships that just aren't working out
 

COMMIT

Make a personal goal to get out of the relationship and hold yourself accountable to that goal. It may be "I will give them until___date to get the help they have promised to get," etc.

SEEK SUPPORT

Enlist the help of friends, family, teachers, school counselors, coaches, etc. to help you see your plan through.

MAKE A CLEAN BREAK

A clean break is often the ideal way to leave an unhealthy relationship.

Don't try to rescue your partner. It is up to them to get the help they need and change their behaviors. This is very important, and a concept that teens really struggle with. For healing to be genuine and lasting, your partner needs to find their own support system and seek the resources they need to change.

Don't try to stay friends. This may sound harsh, but you both need time to heal, separately. Maybe friendship can happen in the future, but holding on to that thread only adds to the pain and delays the healing process for both of you.

REDISCOVER YOURSELF

Fill your time with positive coping activities. Take up a new hobby, or rediscover activities you loved doing before the relationship.

Volunteer in your community, and spend time with friends and family.

Surround yourself with as many positive people and activities as you can while you heal and rediscover your identity without your partner.

Have resources handy for days that are emotionally difficult.

Get Support

 
Who to talk to

●    Parents/Family
●    Friends
●    Coaches
●    Teachers
●    Trusted adults
●    Counselors
●    Police
 
Who to Text
  • National Text for Any Crisis: TEXT HOME to 741741
  • National TDV Hotline: TEXT LOVEIS to 22522
  • National DV Hotline: TEXT START to 88788
 

Who to Call

  • National Teen Dating Violence Hotline: (866) 331-9474
  • 24-hour National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-SAFE (7233)
  • North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault: 919.956.9124
  • Prevention and Intervention Services, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services: 704.336.3210
  • Safe Alliance Greater Charlotte Hopeline: (980) 771-HOPE
  • Prevention & Intervention Services, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services: (704) 336-3210
  • Pat's Place Child Advocacy Center (704) 335-2760
  • Turning Point Union County: (704) 283-9150
  • Safe Passage South Carolina: (803) 329-2800
  • 24-hour Greater Charlotte Hope line: 980.771.4673

Survivor Stories

 
Sometimes, all we need is to feel like someone else really understands what we are going through. Please read other survivor stories if you think they might help bring you comfort or healing.