Dating Violence, What Is
It?
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 sometimes
experience violence in a relationship.
Dating Violence Is All Too
Common
Chances are, you or someone you know
has been a victim of dating violence.
Serious Effects
Can include physical injury,
emotional problems, low self-esteem, and death.
Good & 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:
repeated lies and broken promises.
• Withholding
affection - silent treatment.
• Extreme jealousy -
not wanting the partner to interact with family and
friends.
• Insults -
sarcastic put-downs.
• Threats -
controlling. Some forms of dating violence can be
illegal.
Physical
Abuse
• Punching, kicking,
slapping, pushing
• Attacking or
threatening with a weapon.
• Excessive holding
down or tickling and hugging when it's unwanted.
Sexual Abuse
• Any kind of
unwanted sexual advance or contact. Can include unwanted
sexual comments to kissing or intercourse. Forced sex in this
situation is called acquaintance rape or date rape. It is
COMMON, SERIOUS, and ILLEGAL!
If You Are A Victim Of Dating
Violence
• You are
NOT at fault.
• You can get
help.
• You can get
out.
Reducing The Risk Of Dating
Violence
• Stay in control of
what is happening to you. Always have money in your pocket to
get your own ride home or to use a pay phone to call for
help.
Trust Your
Instincts
They are a gift and can often save
one from becoming a victim. Know the person you are going out
with or go in a group. Be particular. 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.
Men are victims of sexual assault
and dating violence too. The majority of men respect and
value relationships with others. There are men on the JMU
campus who care about human respect.
