The most effective way to stop abuse is to prevent it from happening in the first place. At Turning Points Network (TPN), our educators partner with schools across Sullivan County to equip young people with the skills to build and maintain healthy relationships.
“I wish I had known this when I was younger.”
Many adults who seek support and advocacy from TPN are surprised when they learn about the warning signs of unhealthy and abusive relationships. With hindsight, they recognize patterns of control and disrespect in their past relationships—warning signs they might have acted on if they had known what to look for earlier.
Teens also need help recognizing these red flags. According to the CDC, one in three teens in the U.S. will experience some form of relationship abuse before turning 18.
Boundaries, communication, healthy conflict and respect are cornerstones of healthy relationships. As adults, we can teach youth how to recognize and respect boundaries, healthy ways to cope with strong feelings and how to communicate with friends and partners about their feelings and needs.
What Makes a Healthy Relationship?
You can begin by talking with young people in your life about what makes the relationships in your life strong. Is it the friend who is a great listener? The partner who takes time to cool off before talking about something difficult? The family member who asks for permission before hugging or touching? Healthy relationships are not “perfect.” People may disagree and have heated exchanges, and they may not always bring their best self to relationships, but in a healthy relationship they always operate from a position of respect. Also, in strong, healthy relationships people take responsibility for their missteps and work to make the relationship stronger.
The best time to have these conversations is during everyday occasions when you engage with the youth in your life. Perhaps when watching a favorite show or movie together. Maybe when listening to music in the car or asking about the influencers they follow on social media. Examples of relationships are all around us, and we can use these to help youth learn to recognize what makes relationships healthy and strong, and what threatens relationships.
When you talk with a young person about the life lessons you have learned about healthy, growing relationships, you help teach them what is possible: respect and safety for everyone.
Prevention Starts with Us
At TPN, we witness firsthand the lasting impact of unhealthy and abusive relationships—not just on individuals and families, but also on our medical, criminal justice, mental health, recovery, and education systems.
But prevention is possible when we work together as a community. We can create a culture of empathy by teaching young people how their words and actions affect others. We can set a standard for respect by modeling and encouraging kindness and dignity in all interactions.
During the month of February, TPN will be raising awareness of healthy relationships for teens and sharing warning signs of unhealthy and abusive relationships through various school and community activities. See the TPN webpage (www.turningpointsnetwork.org) or our Facebook book page for information, contact us at info@turningpointsnetwork.org for resources and tips, or call 603-543-0155.
Together, we can help young people build relationships rooted in respect and safety.
OUR TURN is a public service series by Turning Points Network (TPN), serving all of Sullivan County with offices in Claremont and Newport. We provide comprehensive support for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, stalking, and sex trafficking. Additionally, we offer violence-prevention education programs in local schools and community.
For more than 40 years, TPN has helped individuals of all ages break free from the cycle of abuse, providing the tools and support needed to rebuild their lives with strength, dignity, and hope for the future. To learn more, call us at 800-639-3130, visit www.turningpointsnetwork.org, or connect with us on Facebook.
