IntroductionSuicide is “the action of intentionally killing oneself” (New American Oxford Dictionary). According to the Center for Disease Control, suicide is the third leading cause of death among adolescents ages 10 to 24 (2014). Teen suicide is quickly becoming an epidemic. As the graph shows, between 1993 and 2000, suicide rates declined. However, between 2000 and 2010, rates increased to alarming numbers. “Suicide deaths among young people are only part of the problem. More young people survive suicide attempts than actually die” (Center for Disease Control, 2014). Studies show that adolescents facing violence, poor academic performance, and substance abuse are more likely to commit suicide or attempt suicide. Violence When a child is exposed to domestic violence, they learn from the age of three that violent, manipulative, invasive or controlling behaviors are socially acceptable and without punishment. This child will learn that it is their right, their privilege, their obligation to control their partner later in life. There are four types of abuse: physical abuse, sexual abuse, mental and emotional abuse, and neglect. Physical abuse is the type of abuse that most people think of when they hear “abuse.” Physical violence is much more common among male victims than among female victims. According to the San Francisco Child Abuse Prevention Center, “boys are at higher risk and experience more severe abuse” (2011). Although the exact definition of sexual abuse is somewhat debated, most sources agree on a fairly basic definition: any type of sexual act in which one person knowingly forces another unwilling person (or minor) to participate. .... middle of paper ......Information Center. Retrieved March 7, 2011, from http://eric.ed.gov/?q=%22Domestic+Violence%22&ff1=eduHigInformation on child abuse and prevention. (2011). San Francisco Child Abuse Prevention Center. Accessed March 7, 2014 from http://www.sfcapc.org/press_room/information_about_child_abuse_and_prevention?gclid=CLOXwKuYgb0CFa9cMgodNl8ARQMorphonix - Brain - Hippocampus. (nd).Morphonix - Brain - Seahorse. Retrieved March 5, 2014 from http://morphonix.com/software/education/Suicide Prevention. (January 9, 2014). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed March 5, 2014, from http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/puThe New Oxford American Dictionary (Kindle ed.). (2005-2008). New York: Oxford University Press. What is serotonin? What does serotonin do? (nd). Medical News Today. Accessed March 3, 2014 from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles