On July 29 at 7 p.m., a healthy relationship event for mothers and daughters will be held at Maple Mountain High School, 51 N. Spanish Fork Parkway, Spanish Fork. Topics that will be discussed include self-worth and boundaries, dating red flags, people-pleasing, healing confidence and choosing you. Domestic violence survivor Lyndsey Hackford will share elements of her experience in a way that is appropriate for mothers and daughters.

More information about registering for the free event can be found on the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition’s Facebook page. It is recommended that daughters be 15 and older with parent discretion.

Why is it important for daughters to get this information? In addition to preparing them for future relationships, many are in relationships as teens that are unhealthy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cdc.gov, teen dating violence is common.

“Teens often think some behaviors, like teasing and name-calling, are a ‘normal’ part of a relationship. However, these behaviors can become abusive and develop into serious forms of violence. Many teens do not report unhealthy behaviors because they are afraid to tell family and friends,” it states on the site.

While some signs of domestic abuse are more obvious than others, there are signs to watch for, including one partner exerting more control, isolation, extreme jealousy, damaging belongings, intimidating with weapons, threatening, demeaning, calling names and criticizing the partner. Victims might make excuses for injuries or try to cover bruises, skip out on planned activities or always check in with their partners.

According to National Domestic Violence Hotline, thehotline.org, a healthy relationship means both partners are communicating, respectful, trusting, honest and equal as well as enjoying personal time away from each other, making mutual choices and being financial partners.

Signs of unhealthy relationships include lack of communication, dishonesty, disrespect, lack of trust, mistreating each other in any way, accusing, controlling and unequal treatment economically. Abusive relationships can also include communicating in hurtful or threatening ways, one partner denying that their actions are abusive, unequal control and isolating one partner from others.

Help is available 24 hours a day by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233. The Refuge Utah’s 24-hour hotline number is 801-377-5500. Utah Domestic Violence Coalition’s 24-hour LINKLine is 800-897-LINK (5465). It is recommended to save these numbers in phones.