
Teen Power and Control Wheel
In an unhealthy relationship one partner will try to control and have power over their partner. This wheel, developed by Domestic Abuse Intervention Project, shows some of the tactics, actions, and behaviors someone will use in an unhealthy and abusive relationship to gain and maintain control over their partner. This is an excellent tool to use in discussing healthy and unhealthy relationships with your child. Work around the wheel and ask your child if they have experienced these and ask them to write down examples. This creates a visual for them to make the connection that what they are experiencing is unhealthy and/or abusive.
Warning Signs
-Guilting
-Jealousy
-Putting down family and friends
-Pressuring for sexual activity
-Asking for password to social media accounts
-Stalking them online
-Asking for nudes or sending nudes without consent
-Belittling
-Yelling, screaming
-Over critical of actions
-Hitting
-Slapping
-Throwing objects
-Blocking doorways or exits
Patterns of Abuse

People often ask “Why do they stay?” The relationship isn’t always a violent one. As this image shows, there are multiple stages an abusive relationship goes through before the tension builds and the incident or abuse happens. It can be hard to leave or to recognize that they are in an unhealthy relationship during the honeymoon and calm stages. Patience and non-victim blaming statements are what are needed when supporting someone in an unhealthy or abusive relationship.
Experiencing Dating Violence?
1 in 3 women, 1 in 4 men, and 1 in 3 teens experience an abusive relationship.
You are not alone.