Whether you're a guy, a girl, young, or old, abuse can happen to anyone. It is purposeful and used to control another person. It can be physical, emotional, or sexual. The abuser wants their victims to feel, guilty, ashamed, scared, and deserving of their actions. Their victims may feel like they don't deserve any better or that they caused the abuse. It's important for teens to have an adult in their life they can trust whether it's a parent, teacher, or coach so they have someone to talk to if they have a question about their relationships. Make sure the youth in your life understand what constitutes abuse and knows how to get help. The three main types of abuse are:

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Physical Abuse: any type of violence like hitting, kicking, slapping, and pushing.

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Emotional Abuse: the use of bullying, teasing, humiliation, and issuing threats.

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Sexual Abuse: the use of force to do anything physical with a partner that is unwilling.