Teens who have low self-esteem are susceptible to eating disorders and abusive relationships.
Abusive relationships are a common occurrence for teenagers. According to Barrie Levy, M.S.W., author of in Love and in Danger: A Teen’s Guide to Breaking Free of Abusive Relationships, teens are experiencing domestic violence and abusive relationships at a younger age. When these students are too timid or don’t have the tools to get out or defend themselves, they continue down the same road into their adult relationships.
Young people with an eating disorder are particularly susceptible to teen violence, as they don’t have the inner confidence to reject advances that set off their danger radar. Their minds are so caught up in impressing potential boy/girlfriends, that they can easily miss the signals that would ordinarily protect them.
in Love and in Danger is a resource that can help youth understand the risks from those who have had to learn things the hard way. First person accounts of teenagers who have experienced abuse is compelling to read and offers insight into how they got into such situations.
Also included is a chapter of Safety Planning. There are point form actions you can take if you’re dating someone, if you think you’re in an abusive relationship, If you’re considering leaving the abuser and if you have left him or her. There is al list of items to take with you when leaving and a worksheet including important phone numbers and contacts.
Most importantly, though, is the final list of resources included in the back of the book. Hotlines, organizations that can help, books and websites for both teens and parents are listed.
Barrie Levy has produced an important book for all young people and their parents to read if they find themselves in an abusive relationship or know of someone who is.
Author's Bio
Ms. Henry is a freelance Writer and Actress residing in Vancouver, Canada. She was the Editor of Beauty: You Define It magazine and has worked intensively with local youth around issues such as body image, eating disorders and dieting.
She has published a book of poetry titled, Silent Screams (Trafford Publishing, 2002), which was written when she was a teenager. The second printing was released in 2007.
Along with writing, Lori sat on the Advisory Committee of Jessie's Hope Society (formerly ANAD) and is a Director of the You Are Not Alone Eating Disorder Society and Shelley's Angels Society.
Visit her website for more information.
Submit Your Articles