Unfortunately, violence is everywhere! It's in our own homes, in
our neighborhoods, in the news, on television and in movies. It
is important that you talk with your teen about violence, not
only what it is, but also how to prevent it. Although
adolescents can be victims of violent crimes, they also are at
high risk of having violent behavior. Violence is "physical
force used to injure" and obviously includes hitting, kicking,
knocking someone down, or using a gun, knife or other weapon
against someone. Your teen needs to know that verbal abuse and
sexual abuse also are forms of violence that can be just as
damaging as physical abuse, and actually often happen between
people who know each other. For example, "date rape" refers to a
person being forced to have sex while on a date with someone.
Violence occurs in the home as well, between adults or between
an adult and a child. Even if not directed at your teen, simply
witnessing violent behavior at home can be harmful to him. Back
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