On Sunday night at Indiana University, a local Bloomington advocate for the prevention of teen dating violence informed high school journalism students about the dangers of an abusive relationship.

“One person’s choice to hurt someone else” is how Lauren Taylor, the prevention programs coordinator at Middle Way House, defined it.

Taylor went on to depict the severity of this problem.

“One in five teens who have been in a serious relationship report being hit, slapped, or pushed by a partner," Taylor said.

She also stated that 2,000 people die annually because of domestic violence – a shocking statistic that calls attention to this grave issue.

To combat this matter, Taylor showed a video about a survivor named Anya so they could identify the warning signs.

Anya depicted her vivid experience in the “cycle of violence” by describing how her abusive boyfriend persistently governed her lifestyle.

“I couldn’t straighten my hair or wear clothes that were too revealing,” Anya mentioned in the video.

Unfortunately, Anya found herself in a similar relationship only months later.

“[The perpetrator] didn’t want me to spend time with my sister and I had to call every morning at 7:30 before I got to school,” Anya described. “I didn’t recognize it was abuse so I didn’t think it was unacceptable.”

The problem with her situation and many others is that the survivors often hide their exploitation.

A study by Liz Claiborne Inc. reports that only 33 percent of teens in abusive relationships ever tell anyone.

One way to improve this number is by supporting the survivors. Giving advice by saying phrases such as “it’s not your fault” and “I believe you,” can aid them through their struggle to break free.

However, while it is crucial to listen and provide support, one should let them make the hard choices on their own. Taylor said, “It is important for them to regain control over their own lives.”

Anya was stuck on such a destructive path, that she did not know how to turn around, but also never understood she could.

“It’s up to each and everyone one of us to put an end to abuse,” said Taylor.

The little actions you take can make a difference, and ultimately will guide these individuals in the right direction.

(We interviewed multiple people to find out how much they knew about abuse, this graph shows our results from one of the questions asked.)