Dating abuse or dating violence is defined as the perpetration or threat of an act of violence by at least one member of an unmarried couple on the other member within the context of dating or courtship. It is also when one partner tries to maintain power and control over the other through abuse/violence.

 

Dating abuse/violence encompasses all forms:

-sexual assault or abuse

-sexual harassment 

-threats 

-physical violence 

-verbal, mental, or emotional/psychological abuse 

-social sabotage

-emotional blackmail

-psychological manipulation 

-stalking   

 

Dating violence crosses all racial, age, economic and social lines. 

 

You may be in an abuse relationship if...

your partner...

-act jealous or possessive

-tries to keep you from having other friends

-tells you what you can and cannot wear

-puts you down or says things to purposefully hurts your feelings

-pressures you to have sex

-pressures you to use alcohol or other drugs

-makes you call and check in constantly or checks to see who called you

-hits, pushes, kicks or otherwise physically hurts you

-if an argument between you and your partner turns extremely hurtful or violent

-jealousy is not a sign of love. It is a sign of insecurity. If a person is jealous all the time or tries to control your behavior because   of jealousy, then there is a problem.

-If you are afraid of the person you are dating, or are trying to avoid his or her anger, you may be in an abusive relationship

 

Abuse is never the victims fault!!!