Intimate partner violence is so serious the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classify it as an epidemic. staff; “Teenage relationships abuse, a parent’s guide to violence and abuse in teenage relationships,” a publication of the United Kingdom’s National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children AWARE Inc., which offers shelter, support and other services for survivors of domestic or sexual violence, has a 24-hour crisis hotline, 517-783-2861.

For information about the agency’s Teen Club, which meets Mondays at the Martin Luther King Jr.

Emotional abuse includes behaviors such as name calling, threatening, insulting, shaming, manipulating, criticizing, controlling access to friends and family, expecting a partner to check in constantly, and using technology like texting to control and batter.

For too many others, these relationships are unhealthy – and can cross the line into being emotionally and physically abusive.

Has someone you love been accused of teen dating violence and now faces sexual assault charges?

Let’s review the case in Michigan that made headlines in December 2015 and early 2016.

Unhealthy relationships can start early and last a lifetime.

Teens often think some behaviors, like teasing and name-calling, are a “normal” part of a relationship.