Dating violence is a problem that is unfortunately all too common in teenagers' lives.  Abuse comes in many forms.  It can be physical as well as emotional, verbal and sexual, and it can happen to anyone.  This week, Marie Hansen, superstar librarian at Jefferson Market, posted a list of resources for people who are either in an abusive relationship or who know someone who is in an abusive relationship. 

YA literature has tackled this difficult subject in many books that can be checked out at your local library. 

Dreamland by Sarah Dessen

After her older sister runs away, sixteen-year-old Caitlin decides that she needs to make a major change in her own life and begins an abusive relationship with a boy who is mysterious, brilliant, and dangerous.

Rage by Julie Ann Peters

At the end of high school, Johanna finally begins dating the girl she has loved from afar, but Reeve is as much trouble as she claims to be as she and her twin brother damage Johanna's self-esteem, friendships, and already precarious relationship with her sister.

Inexcusible by Chris Lynch

High school senior and football player Keir sets out to enjoy himself on graduation night, but when he attempts to comfort a friend whose date has left her stranded, things go terribly wrong.

Breathing Underwater by Alex Finn

Sent to counseling for hitting his girlfriend, Caitlin, and ordered to keep a journal, sixteen-year-old Nick recounts his relationship with Caitlin, examines his controlling behavior and anger, and describes living with his abusive father.

Bad Boy Can be Good for a Girl by Tonya Lee Stone
When a smooth-talking, handsome senior boy enters their mix, friends Josie, Nicolette, and Aviva soon find themselves in questionable situations where each girl must make the right decision before things go awry and their personal sacrifices become too great.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Melinda Sordino finds herself an outcast at her high school for calling the cops on an end of summer party, and, although she finds comfort in her art class, she still holds a terrible secret.

In Love and In Danger: A Teen's Guide to Breaking Free of Abusive Relationships Barrie Levy

Describes the experiences of teens who have had abusive dating relationships and gives advice on how to end the cycle of abuse and forge healthy and loving, violence-free relationships.

Dating Violence: True Stories of Hurt and Hope John Hicks

Interviews with abusers and victims form the basis of this discussion of the characteristics and dangers of unhealthy relationships, the importance of honest communication, and cooperative ways of resolving conflict.