Star Suicide's blog: "Speaking my peace, respect it"

"I'm not dressed to answer the phone!"

Yea, this is what my mom said when her friend was calling to see if she was coming out to celebrate cinco de mayo. Do you really need to be dressed to answer the phone? If so, I guess I'm always doing it wrong :P

Statistics show that one in three teens are abused physically or emotionally in a relationship, what I want is for everyone to do something, whatever they can!

I am a part of that statistic. I started dating a boy just after I'd turned 17 who I stayed with for two years through all the stress he put me through and all of the abuse (both physical and emotional) he put me through. I haven't been  speaking up about it, but it has got to change. I want to help those who have gone through it, are going through it, or might someday go through it. I want to try to help prevent it. Support me in this, please.

I have the right:

1. To always be treated with respect.
2. In a respectful relationship, you should be treated as an equal.
3. To be in a healthy relationship.
4. A healthy relationship is not controlling, manipulative, or jealous.
5. A healthy relationship involves honesty, trust, and communication.
6. To not be hurt physically or emotionally.
7. You should feel safe in your relationship at all times. Abuse is never deserved and is never your fault.
   Conflicts should be resolved in a peaceful and rational way.
8. To refuse sex or affection at anytime.
9. A healthy relationship involves making consensual sexual decisions. You have the right to not have sex.
   Even if you have had sex before, you have the right to refuse sex for any reason.
10. To have friends and activities apart from my boyfriend or girlfriend.
11. Spending time by yourself, with male or female friends, or with family is normal and healthy.
12. To end a relationship.
13. You should not be harassed, threatened, or made to feel guilty for ending an unhealthy or healthy
    relationship. You have the right to end a relationship for any reason you choose.

Remember this and let others know about it. Also, visit this website for more: http://www.dosomething.org/abuse

The website also has topics other than abuse for those interested in even more.