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The Elephant in the Room

If this is an emergency, call 911.

DVSSP's 24/7 Helpline - Free and Confidential - 800-791-4000

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The elephant in the room is the pressing problem, biggest secret, or burning question that no one wants to talk about.

Maybe you’re wondering if it’s normal for a partner to pressure you to say ‘I love you,’ or how to leave a relationship that doesn’t feel right. Maybe you’re trying to figure out if what you’re experiencing at home or in a relationship is abuse, or how to support a friend who’s going through something difficult. You might be asking how to set boundaries, deal with loneliness, or feel more confident in who you are.

The more we try to ignore these “elephants,” the more they dominate.

Our anonymous “Elephant in the Room” Q & A system is a safe and confidential space for asking questions, sharing thoughts, or asking for help related to teen dating abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, gender-based violence, and other forms of interpersonal violence. ​All questions/comments are anonymous unless you want to be contacted.

Use the links below to quickly find answers to common “elephants,” submitted by teens and young adults who’ve shared their experiences.


24/7 Helpline1-800-791-4000