Avoid the tendency to isolate yourself from your friends and family. You might feel like you have nowhere to turn, or you might be embarrassed about what’s been going on, but this is when you need support most. Ending abuse and violence in teen relationships is a community effort with plenty of people ready to help. People like school counselors, teachers, youth workers, coaches, doctors, and friends will want to help you, so let them.

Don’t rely on yourself alone to get out of the situation.

Friends and family who love and care about you can help you break away. It’s important to know that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. It actually shows that you have a lot of courage and are willing to stand up for yourself. It’s also likely you will need help to break out of a cycle of abuse, especially if you still love the person who has hurt you, or feel guilty about leaving. These feelings are perfectly normal.