Catherine Long

When people hear “domestic violence,” they often think only of physical harm like hitting or pushing. But domestic violence is much broader than that, and many young people living in unsafe homes may not even realize they are experiencing it. What Domestic Violence Is Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior used by one person to control another within a household or close relationship. It can take many forms: Physical abuse : hitting, slapping, pushing, or physically harming someone....

A teenager’s first “school” is their original family environment . The way parents communicate, resolve conflicts, set boundaries, and provide emotional support has a huge influence on how young people grow up. When this environment is filled with love, respect, and stability, teens are more likely to develop self-control, empathy, and positive problem-solving skills. But when the family environment is marked by neglect, abuse, conflict, or lack of guidance , teenagers may feel isolated,...