Dating Violence Myths & Facts

Dating violence is a pattern of learned behaviors that one person uses against another in order to gain or maintain power and control in a dating relationship.

Teen Dating Violence Statistics

Types of Abuse

Physical Emotional

Stalking

Economic

Sexual

Electronic/Cyber

Electronic Violence Video Clip

Warning SignsBruises, scratches, burns or other signs of physical injury.Avoiding friends and family.Sudden changes in clothing or make-up.Failing grades, dropping out of activities.Difficulty making decisions, no opinions.Sudden changes in mood or personality – becoming secretive.Changes in eating and sleeping habits – avoiding eye contact.Using drugs or alcohol.Casually mentioning violent behavior and laughing off as a joke. Cell or home phone calls several times a day.Extreme emotional attachment – fast moving relationship.Begins blaming themselves – putting themselves down.Making excuses or apologizing for their partners behavior.

Warning SignsExtreme jealousy and possessiveness.Controlling behavior - where and who you are with. Extreme emotional attachment – fast moving relationship.Blames others for problems/feelings.Uses guilt trips.Unrealistic expectations.Verbal abuse in public or private.Isolation from family, friends – “Your parent’s don’t like me.”Has a history of past abuse, abuses animals.Threats of violence, intimidation.Breaking or striking objects.

Healthy relationships are characterized by respect, sharing and trust. They are based on the belief that both partners are equal and that the power and control in the relationship are equally shared.

“Dating violence can be prevented when teens, families, organizations, and communities work together to implement effective prevention strategies and promote healthy relationships.”

-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/intimatepartnerviolence/teen_dating_violence,html