Teen behavior changes may signal abuse

ST. LOUIS, Sept. 19 (UPI) -- Teen dating violence can be physical, emotional or sexual and occur in either casual and long-term relationships, a U.S. researcher said.

Terri Weaver of St. Louis University said that much like adult domestic violence situations, teen dating violence can take many forms and effects people from all socioeconomic, racial, ethnic and religious groups.

However, an overriding factor in both adult and teen relationship abuse is a pattern of over-controlling, abusive behavior that usually escalates over time that often leaves the victim emotionally traumatized, confused and, particularly in the case of teenage girls, isolated.

"When a teen is abused, she often becomes isolated from family and peers because of the controlling behavior of her abusive partner," Weaver said in a statement.

Because teens generally don't tell people when they are involved in a violent relationship, adults around them should be alert for both the physical and emotional signs of an abusive relationship.

"Be alert for changes in teen's behavior -- whether it's a change in academic performance, emotional functioning, or interests," Weaver said. "There is no single indicator that abuse is occurring but changes like these can signal that the teen is experiencing something stressful, opening the door for further questions."