Teen Coercion for Sex and Pregnancy

The start of the school year is a good time to reflect on the pressures on teenagers. Michigan State University recently published an article about the pressures on teen with sex and pregnancy. Click this link to read more.

Dr. Marcotte shares two big take away messages for teenagers, friends and parents reading this article.

#1 If you are in an abusive relationship, no matter what your age, you are NOT alone. Almost 1 in 5 teens are in abusive relationships! Often women in abusive relationships feel isolated. In fact, the abuser wants her to feel this way. If we feel alone, we are less likely to reach out for help. If you are being abused, know that you are not alone. Getting out of the relationship may seem impossible. For some, that is a really big step. Instead, start with a small step. Talk to someone you trust. Just talk. A conversation about what you are experience can lead to more and eventually a plan toward safety.

#2 As a friend or parent, check in on your loved ones. Ask how things are going. Open the door to that often challenging first step of discussion. Even if you have no indication of abuse in your friend or family members relationship, talk about it. One of two things will happen. If she is in an abusive relationship, you are acknowledging these things happen and are allowing her a safe place to talk about it. If she is not in this type of relationship, you are normalizing this talk and passing it along for her to use with her friends. Your friend or daughter may not need help but someone close to her may benefit.