Dating Violence

Dating Violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors used to exert power and control over a dating partner.

Do you know the warning signs of unhealthy dating behaviors?

Dating violence includes different types of harmful behaviors. This can be things like trying to control your feelings, stalking you online, or using hurtful words and physical actions. It’s any way your partner tries to control you, make you feel scared, or hurt you.

Videos: 10 signs of a healthy relationship & 10 signs of an unhealthy relationship

Recognizing the signs of toxic behavior

No one wants to end up in an abusive relationship on purpose. It often starts with small, sneaky behaviors that you might not notice as bad at first. Once you learn to spot the warning signs, you can be more aware and avoid getting caught in a pattern of dating violence.

Some of the signs to watch for

Excessive jealousy and insecurity
Possessiveness
Pressure to change or controlling your appearance
Isolation tactics
Constant criticism and humiliation
Threats and explosive behavior
Digital and physical privacy invasions
Gaslighting (making you question your reality or interpretation of events), manipulation, and emotional abuse
Unwanted sexual contact and sexual pressure or intimidation
Hiding your birth control, trying to pressure you into starting a family or terminating a pregnancy, or trying to get you pregnant to trap you in the relationship
Physical abuse

NEARLY

million

high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner in a single year

Kids who witness abuse between their parents are

15 times

more likely to enter an abusive relationship themselves.

Do you need to talk to someone about a situation you’re facing?

Call our 24/7 Crisis Hotline at (941) 627-6000, or our Englewood Area Help Line at (941) 475-6465.

You can also text us at (941) 499-8534.

Teen dating violence statistics

From BreakTheCycle.org

Up to 19% of teens experience dating violence.
43% of dating college women report experiencing violence and abuse from a partner.
1 in 12 teens face physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal abuse from a dating partner.
1 in 4 women who experience physical and/or sexual violence are first victimized between the ages of 11 and 17.
Only 9% of teens in abusive relationships report the abuse.
Kids who witness abuse between their parents are 15 times more likely to enter an abusive relationship themselves.
Stalking behaviors are alarmingly prevalent, with about half of all teens reporting they’ve been stalked or harassed.

From DoSomething.org

Roughly 1.5 million U.S. high school boys & girls admit to being hit or physically harmed in the last year by someone they are romantically involved with.
Teens who suffer dating abuse are subject to long-term consequences like alcoholism, eating disorders, promiscuity, thoughts of suicide, and violent behavior.
1 in 3 young people will be in an abusive or unhealthy relationship.
33% of adolescents in America are victim to sexual, physical, verbal, or emotional dating abuse.
50% of young people who experience rape or physical or sexual abuse will attempt to commit suicide.

From loveisrespect.org

Nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner in a single year.
1 in 3 girls in the US is a victim of physical, emotional, or verbal abuse from a dating partner, a figure that far exceeds rates of other types of youth violence.
1 in 10 high school students has been purposefully hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend.
Only 33% of teens who were in an abusive relationship ever told anyone about the abuse.
81% of parents believe teen dating violence is not an issue or admit they dont’ know it’s an issue.

Dating abuse can happen to anyone

It can happen in opposite sex couples, LGBTQ+ couples, young or old, rich or poor.

There are lasting effects of dating violence and abuse

Short-term and long-term emotional effects including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD], trust issues, insecurity and low self-esteem, and the potential for substance abuse as a way to cope.
Physical effects include broken bones, concussions, bruises, unwanted pregnancies, and even sexually transmitted diseases [STDs].
Social and relational effects include struggling to develop healthy relationships in the future, having a hard time trusting people (even people you know), and withdrawal from friends and your support network even after the abuse has ended.
The most severe consequence can be homicide, and accounts for more than half the women murdered in the United States each year.

You’re not alone, and there is help for you

Remember, this is not your fault, no matter what your abuser may have said!

The Center for Abuse & Rape Emergencies, Inc. offers:

24/7 crisis hotline you can call or text.
One-to-one, supportive assistance to the victims of violent crimes in hospitals and/or court settings.
C.A.R.E. can help you make a safe plan to leave, or to help you stay in your home and safe.
Free, individual and group counseling as well as support groups for all those affected by domestic violence or sexual abuse.
We offer 24-hour rape crisis hospital response.
Free civil legal assistance may be available if you are a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
We offer a certified rape crisis center and certified domestic violence shelter providing free emergency shelter for you and your children in a safe, non-violent setting.

Relocation assistance is also available for eligible victims.
Our Economic Empowerment program is a free program to assist victims with all aspects of establishing financial independence.
The Crime Victims Compensation Fund is available through the State of Florida Office of the Attorney General for eligible victims of crime to pay for medical expenses, mental health counseling, lost wages, funeral expenses, and loss of support for victim’s dependents.

How you can help a friend

Trying to help a friend you think might be in an abusive relationship can be tough. Even though you want to help, you need to respect their choices, even if you don’t agree with them.

Listen without judgment; let them feel heard.
Offer practical help by offering them a place to stay or a ride to counseling appointments.
Just be there as a friend to spend time with them.
Encourage them to get professional help through our helpline, a counseling program, or a support group.
Be patient, change doesn’t happen overnight.
Know when to call the police and when it could end up causing more harm to your friend than good. If your friend is in immediate physical danger, calling the police to protect them is the right thing to do.