Dating Violence

Philosophical Question It’s normal and healthy for someone in a relationship to be jealous.

Definition When one person purposely hurts or scares someone they are dating

Physical Abuse Hitting, kicking, slapping, biting, or throwing things

Emotional Abuse Yelling, name calling, bullying, threatening, belittling, embarrassing you It may include keeping you away from your friends Saying you deserve the abuse and giving gifts to make up for the abuse

Sexual Abuse Forcing you to do something you don’t want to do or doing something sexual when you cannot agree to it (ex. When you have been drinking)

Affects Dating Violence starts with emotional abuse Ex. Insulting you, calling you names or insisting you spend a certain amount of time with them This can lead to a more severe abuse that includes physical abuse

Teen Violence 1 in 10 female high schoolers say that they have been in an abusive relationship In the US, teens and women experience the highest rate of dating violence

Signs of Teen Dating Abuse Constantly texting or sending messages to monitor you Insisting on getting serious very quickly Acting very jealous or bossy Pressuring you to do sexual things Posting photos of you online without your permission Threatening to hurt you or themselves if you break up Blaming you for the abuse

Leaving an Abusive Relationship Tell your parents, a teacher or a trusted adult about the abuse Create a safety plan where you can go if you feel you are in danger Keep a cell phone with you for emergencies Create a secret code with adults you trust so that they know you feel uncomfortable around that person Try to avoid walking or riding alone Don’t share your passwords on technology

Staying Safe When meeting someone new:  Meet your date in a public place  Tell a friend or family member where you’re going  Avoid parties where substances may be present  Make sure you have a way to get home if you need it  Have a cell phone ready if you need to call for help 