How to Help Your Child/ Teen

Unhealthy relationships can start early and last a lifetime.  Teens often think some behaviors, like teasing and name calling, are a “normal” part of a relationship. However, these behaviors can become abusive and develop into more serious forms of violence.

WHAM 13 aired this segment on Teen Dating Violence in our community, highlighting electronic leashing, a form of digital abuse.

Digital abuse is the use of technologies such as texting and social networking to bully, harass, stalk or intimidate a partner. In most cases, this type of abuse is emotional and/or verbal and though it is perpetuated online, it has a strong impact on a victim’s real life.

How to Help Your Child/Teen

  1. Listen to your teen. Ask the right questions.
  2. Go to the School Counselor or Social Worker. Willow advocates are often on campus to support schools.
  3. Call our hotline: (585) 222-SAFE (7233).

Love Is Respect is a recommended resource for parents and teens to learn more about abuse of all types and how to address it.

If you have any questions on how to support your child/teen, call Willow’s Hotline at (585) 222-SAFE (7233).