Relationships
Dating Violence: What Is It?
It is defined as one partner abusing another while in a dating relationship. Abuse can include words or actions and the intent to control or hurt another person. Although it happens mainly to women, men can experience violence in relationship. Chances are you or someone you know has been a victim of dating violence. Effects can include physical injury, emotional problems, low self-esteem, and death.
Good and Bad Dating Relationships
- It is healthy that you learn about yourself and who you want to be.
- Learn about others and the qualities you admire in them.
- Feeling good about each other versus discomfort with the other person.
- Respecting and showing courtesy versus disrespect and lack of concern for the other's feelings.
- Communicating clearly and letting each other know what each really thinks versus "mind games" and hidden agendas.
- Understanding that even healthy relationships sometimes don't work.
Forms of Dating Violence
Emotional Abuse
- Repeated Lies
- Broken Promises
- Withholding Affection
- Silent Treatment
- Extreme Jealousy not wanting partner to interact with family and friends
- Insults sarcastic putdowns
- Threats controlling behavior
Physical Abuse
- Punching
- Kicking
- Slapping
- Pushing
- Attacking or threatening with a weapon
- Excessive holding down, tickling, or hugging when it's unwanted
Sexual Abuse
- Any kind of unwanted sexual advance or contact such as sexual comments, kissing, or intercourse
- Forced sex in this situation is called acquaintance rape or date rape
- It is COMMON, SERIOUS, AND ILLEGAL!
Trust Your Instincts
Know the person you are going out with or go in a group. Be particular and think twice about dating people who:
- Put others down
- Use alcohol or other drugs
- Want to control everything
- Display temper outbursts
- Use physical force
- Drive recklessly or drink and drive
- Enjoys pornography