Dating Violence
Mental and Physical Violence
The United States Department of Justice Defines dating violence 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."
In a violent dating relationship, one partner tries to maintain power and control over the other through some kind of abuse. Love Is Respect.org tells us dating violence is not limited to acts of physical abuse, but is also a mental and emotional attack on a partner. While dating violence occurs in many different kinds of relationships, young couples are most at-risk. It is important for young people to remain aware, so that they may recognize the warning signs of an abusive relationship.
Warning Signs
Several warning signs often accompany a violent relationship, or a relationship that may become violent. Livestrong.com identifies some of these indicators of dating violence:
"...extreme jealousy, controlling behavior, quick involvement, mood swings, alcohol and drug use, explosive anger, isolating you from friends and family, the use of force during an argument, hypersensitivity, a tendency to blame others for his or her own problems or feelings, verbal abuse, a history of abusing former partners and threats of violence."
There is Help
If you suspect that you may be in involved in an abusive relationship, trust your instincts. If a situation makes you feel threatened or uncomfortable in any way, find a way to remove yourself as quickly as possible. You do NOT deserve to be abused or treated violently. You have a right to be valued and treated with respect.
If you need help in determining whether or not your relationship is abusive, click here.
If you want IMMEDIATE advice and would like to speak to someone on the phone, call:
The National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline (NTDAH): 866-331-9474
(24 hours a day, seven days a week, free and confidential)
Supporting a Friend
People involved in violent relationships are not always conscious of the abuse. An abusive person will use their power and control to make their partner feel unworthy, guilty, and helpless. Because of this emotional distortion, an abused partner may try to justify the violent behavior of their loved one. They may even feel deserving of the abuse inflicted upon them.If your friend is in an abusive relationship, you may be his or her most important resource for getting help. To learn more about supporting a friend in a violent relationship, click here.
Just the Facts
About one in three high school students have been or will be involved in an abusive relationship. Forty percent of teenage women ages 14 to 17 say they know someone their age who has been hit or beaten by a boyfriend. For more facts concerning dating violence, click here.