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Dating Violence

Who to Call for Help

  1. Police 911
  2. National Domestic Violence Hotline
    1 (800) 799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 (TDD)
  3. National Sexual Assault Hotline
    1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
  4. Title IX and Sexual Misconduct

About Dating Violence

Myth: Abuse means physically hurting someone.

Fact: Abuse does not only mean physically hurting someone. Abuse also includes hurting someone psychologically/emotionally, verbally or sexually. One in three teenagers experiences violence in a dating relationship. Dating violence is aggressive, abusive and controlling behavior.

A Few Warning Signs That Your Date May Have An Abusive Behavior

  • Possessive
  • Controlling
  • Bad tempered/easily angered
  • Isolates you from your friends or family
  • Blames others for his/her problems
  • Threatens force or violence
  • Uses force during arguments
  • Verbally abusive

Is Your Relationship Unhealthy? Ask Yourself These Questions...

  • Are you afraid of your partner?
  • Does your partner choose who you hang out with?
  • Is your partner making decisions for you?
  • Does your partner humiliate you?
  • Has your partner's jealousy limited your independence?
  • Has your partner ever kicked or punched you?
  • Are you afraid your partner may do these things?

Answering "yes" to the above questions is a definite sign of an unhealthy relationship.

Ways to Prevent Dating Violence

  • Consider double dates or being with a group when first going out.
  • When going out, let a friend or parent know when you will be back. Tell your date that you have done this so he/she will acknowledge that someone is expecting you back at a certain time.
  • Be assertive and direct. Be able to be straightforward about what you want, like or dislike in a relationship. Having these goals or plans will help create a positive outlook on the relationship.

Help is Available

Remember that you are of importance and no one deserves to be abused or threatened. Turn to someone you can trust such as a teacher, family member, friend, counselor at psychological services, or a nurse at Health Services. These resources are here to specifically help you, so now it is your step to go there. (If you are under 18 years, teachers, healthcare providers and law enforcement agencies are required to report suspected abuse to Child Protective Services).

Help Someone Else

If you know someone who might be in an abusive relationship:

  • Tell them you are worried.
  • Be a good listener.
  • Ask how you can help them seek help.