WE STRONGLY BELIEVE that all teens in any sort of abusive relationship should summon the strength to take action. One in five teenagers reports being physically or sexually abused by a partner according to CBS News, although abuse comes in many shapes and forms, including verbal and emotional.

The recent Rihanna and Chris Brown scandal has brought more attention to this significant issue, but has sent the wrong message to many young fans. While we respect Rihanna’s right to make decisions affecting her personal life, she is still a person of great social influence, and returning to the relationship outwardly seems to condone such violence.

Many fans have taken to defending not just their supposed reconciliation but his initial actions. The bottom line remains that what he did was wrong. To lay his hands on another person, especially someone he supposedly loved, was wrong no matter the circumstances. This is a fact that has become blurred for many.

We cannot, however, judge Rihanna, or any other victims of domestic abuse, for returning to their hazardous relationships. Domestic abuse is a very difficult obstacle to overcome. For help, teens should call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224.