The best way for teens to avoid becoming victims of dating violence is to set up healthy boundaries in their relationships from the beginning. When they determine the lines they will not cross with a boyfriend or girlfriend, they are able to protect themselves from a relationship that gets out of their control.

Here are 4 healthy boundaries that every teen should set for their dating relationships:

• Never be alone in a house with your boyfriend/girlfriend.

• Discuss your boundaries and expectations early in the relationship. Determine and communicate the lines you will not cross physically. Remember, sexual intercourse significantly increases the odds that a teen will experience violence within a relationship.

• Learn and practice refusal skills. How will you respond if your boyfriend or girlfriend says, “If you loved me, then you would to ____ with/for me,” or “Everybody else is doing it. There’s nothing to worry about”? Know what your answer will be in advance so that you aren’t caught unprepared.

• Know the early warning signals for dating violence: Does your boyfriend try to control what you wear? Does he constantly check up on your via text, phone or in person? Does he try to isolate and separate you from your family and friends? Does he tell you something or give you something and say “This is our secret”? These are all emotional grooming techniques that can lead to dating violence.