Holly Yzquierdo

There are more than 19,200 children in Arizona's foster care system. Learn more about becoming a licensed foster parent by calling 602-230-4910.

“People always wonder why people stay in abusive relationships,” said Sheryl Christianson, senior programs manager of My Sisters' Place, a Catholic Charities domestic violence shelter. “When we start the conversation with ‘why do they stay,’ we place additional burden on the victim. We need to wonder why do people abuse, and what can be done to hold them accountable.”

Physical abuse includes hitting, slapping and shoving, biting or other physical harm. Domestic violence is not limited to physical abuse but can also include sexual abuse, emotional abuse or financial abuse.

One in three adolescents in the United States is a victim of abuse from a dating partner. The abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional or verbal. With advances in technology, there are new forms of abuse to watch out for your teens.

Paul Mulligan, President and CEO of Catholic Charities visited Washington D.C. during Pope Francis' trip to the U.S.