Sexual abuse in the family
When families experience something like sexual abuse, it can be an extremely difficult situation. A male member, either the father or a brother, perpetrates most sexual abuse in families. Because it is family, many of the victims of sexual abuse are afraid to blow the whistle. They do not want to be the reason their family is torn apart, or their father goes to prison. No matter how poor the logic is, as it is the fault of the perpetrator, not the victim, this is the common problem.
Sometimes in relationships there is abuse. The reasons for abuse are numerous, but no matter the reason, no one should abuse, or put up with abuse in a relationship. However, this is far easier said than done. The following is a look at the kinds of abuse most common in relationships, and what you should do if you have an abusive boyfriend:
Question: I have a friend who has been seeing her boyfriend for a couple of years now. They fight a lot, and it gets pretty loud, and physical. I have seen them fight several times, and they hit one another, push each other, and yell a lot. I worry that if they do that in front of me, what is going on when I am not around? My friend often wears long sleeves, etc. when it is hot out, and I am worried that she is a victim of domestic abuse. I have tried to bring it up with her, but she insists that she is not, and that they love each other. What should I do? Should I call the police?
Teenage violence in intimate relationships is more common than most would think. Statistics indicate that over 10%, and possibly as much as 12% of youth in middle and high school have been a victim of physical dating violence. The statistic is almost double that when it comes to psychological violence. This means that it is critical that you understand why it happens, how to recognize it, and how to avoid it. Many people who are victims of physical dating violence later engage in risky sexual behavior, and unhealthy habits. Additionally, they are more likely to become victims or perpetrators of intimate partner violence as adults. 
Domestic violence in relationships is a very serious problem, and one that is often difficult to not just identify, but also to stop. Many of the victims believe they deserve the abuse, and are unwilling to "betray" their abusers or turn them in. Domestic abuse often goes hand in hand with emotional abuse. 