Everything You Need to Know about Relationship Violence

School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up-According to statistics presented by the author, relationship violence among teens is a major and growing problem. Both boys and girls are abusers; and incidents occur at about the same rate between same-sex couples as between heterosexuals. White identifies the types of abuse-physical, verbal, emotional, and sexual-and discusses possible risk factors such as stress, media violence, abusive-family models, substance abuse, and teen pregnancy. A "Relationship Violence Test" will help readers sort out their situations or those of their friends. The author also touches upon the reasons it is often difficult to leave an abusive relationship and defines the components of a healthy one. A chapter dealing with the process of moving on emphasizes safety measures and the need for a support network; organizations and sources of assistance are appended. Practical advice, clear writing, and undemanding vocabulary make this title a solid addition for YA collections.-Libby K. White, Jewish Vocational Services, Baltimore, MD Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.