The Buzz Teen violence should not occur; but it does

Family violence occurs on a daily basis and when we think about it, we think it is confined inside a household or family unit. Sadly we are learning family violence is stretching its ugly head into teenage relationships. Some of us watched television news night after night as the search went on a month ago for a Marshall teen that went missing. Her boyfriend was mentioned as a person of interest and then let go; however, to return to him later when they found her body. He is now a suspect in her death.
I am sure that violence goes on in dating relationships also. This can involve young people and can include either girls or boys. Just because you are a young person dating someone, doesn’t mean you are immune from violence. I will say the same thing I wrote to others, mainly to those in a family unit, they do not have to live that way. This is 2014 and there are agencies that can help you get out of that situation. Talk to your parents, teachers, coaches, preachers or any other adult that can help you. Talk to the police. Now most schools have a resource officer who is there to help not only in school situations, but he would be glad to lend an ear and assist someone who is a victim of violence.
There is a way out and if you think abuse will stop or you deserve it, you are sadly mistaken. Young ladies should put a value on themselves and not get hooked into a relationship that is violent and can possibly lead to their death.
Sheltered Agencies for Families in East Texas in Mount Pleasant offers help to women and men who are in an abusive relationship. I don’t know how active they are with teenagers, but it would not hurt to get in touch with them if all other resources fail. They offer a means to free adults and children and they offer protection in the event you want to escape from an abusive relationship.
Often following violence, the perpetrator begs forgiveness and says they will never do it again. They probably will. If you are taking abuse because you think you love that person, that may be true, but they surely don’t love you no matter what they say.
In the last two years we have the knowledge of at least two women in our area that had lost their lives when their spouse shot them. The following is advice from SAFE-T in Mount Pleasant for anyone considering their situation but is not quite ready to leave. Some of this can easily apply to teenagers in an abusive situation they need to get out of.  
 
· Always keep some money hidden.
Keep extra keys for car and house.
· Have important documents and items readily available:
· Drivers license and number - his and yours
· Marriage license- certificate
· Bank statements - account numbers
· Insurance policies
· Birth Certificates (yours and children)
· Social Security numbers (his, yours and children)
· List of important phone numbers
· Medications and prescriptions
· Valuable jewelry
· Have a small bag with extra clothing
· Hide these things in one central place (friend’s house, garage, closet, etc. in an overnight bag, gym bag, paper bag or whatever is available). Figure out what his/her pattern of behavior is during the violent stage and determine where the best place would be to have these things available to you, should you need to leave quickly.
· Establish a code with a neighbor or friend in case an emergency arises.
· Above all don’t hesitate to call the police. Call 9-1-1.
· Get rid of weapons in the house.
· Let neighbors be alert to strange noises and call the police.