Preventing Abusive Relationships: Part 1

One of the best ways to protect yourself from harmful situations is by simply avoiding them. There are certain precautions you can take in order to make yourself safer. They just require a small amount of planning.

You do not need to be afraid every time you want to go out and do something, but you should take certain steps to keep yourself safe.

• Always plan to go with a trusted group of people and stick together. Don’t let a friend go off unattended. Instead, go together as a group. There’s safety in numbers.
  
  
• Have an exit plan for new or uncertain situations. Find a safe way to leave an uncomfortable place or situation. Always make sure a parent or guardian knows where you are going, and make arrangements to have someone pick you up if you want to leave early.

If you or anyone you know has experience with these or other difficult situations, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Talking to a parent, teacher, counselor, family member, or other trusted adult can help you to resolve the situation before things become too difficult to control.