Dating Violence

Dating violence is a pattern of controlling, abusive and aggressive behaviors used to gain or maintain power in a dating relationship. Dating violence can take many forms including psychological and emotional abuse, physical abuse and sexual abuse.

If a boyfriend or girlfriend humiliates, insults, attempts to control behavior (such as telling a girlfriend or boyfriend what to wear and calling frequently to find out where someone is, what she/he is doing and who she/he is with), tries to destroy self-confidence and self-esteem, isolates from other friends or family or threatens violence, this is psychological and emotional abuse. Physical abuse includes pushing, hitting, punching, slapping, kicking, biting, hair-pulling, pinching, strangling and shoving. It can also include the use of a weapon. Sexual abuse refers to forced or unwanted sexual activity ranging from kissing or touching to rape as well as attempts to coerce or pressure someone to engage in sexual activity.

Many teens have difficulty leaving these relationships, citing their love or loyalty for their boyfriend or girlfriend, concern about what peers may think, self-blame, fear of the perpetrator, and feelings of confusion, anxiety, helplessness or sadness. In addition, a lack of understanding of abuse and recognition of the symptoms may also cause teens to remain in damaging relationships.

What is dating violence?
Red flags
Help!
Is your relationship healthy?
Dating rights and responsibilities
Help A Friend
Court / legal help
Coming to Shelterhouse