I would explain to her the cycle of abuse, so she knows his "apology" and sappy begging for forgiveness is typical of abusers, and not a sign that he will change. I would let her know that she needs to make her own choices (I would worry that by "forbidding" her she would rebel and run to him), but that this is a very serious, adult situation and victims of domestic violence have the right to get away. I would keep on using the terms "domestic violence," "abuser" and "crime" so she would really hear that this is not normal or tolerable behavior. I would also tell her that she is not alone, and that her family is willing to help her, defend her, and protect her. I would tell her she shouldn't be embarrassed because people from all backgrounds can be abused, and its not a reflection on her.

After explaining to her what I think her choices are, I would call the police. If she objected, I would simply tell her that as someone who is aware of a serious crime, I feel obligated to report it. I would tell her that while I will always love, support, and help her, I will never be a party to the abuse and never cover up for him.

I would hope that the police would contact his parents, since he is a minor, but in some states, anyone over 13 years old can talk to the police without a parent present, so I would try to follow up with the parents. Without blaming them, I would explain how seriously I take the abuse of my child, and how I will not back down in defending her safety.

If the boyfriend was over 18, I would definitely pursue legal action as rigidly as possible.

With a teenager, you need to walk a delicate line, because they are looking for help while also trying to get their own feet under them. They need support but also to be set up for success as an adult, with their own responsibilities and consequences. I would just keep on reiterating that abuse is never acceptable under any circumstances, no matter how sad his little "my mommy didn't love me enough" sob story or apologies are.