No one deserves to be in an abusive situation and

it is never your fault.

There is no excuse for violence!

 


Dating abuse is a pattern of behaviors used to exert power and control over a dating partner and can be verbal, emotional, physical, sexual or a combination.  Dating abuse can happen to both males and females, gay or straight.


35% of Chaffee County High School Students surveyed in 2010 reported knowing someone who is a victim of dating violence.


9% of Chaffee County High School Students surveyed in 2010 reported being a victim of dating violence.


Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the US-more than rapes, muggings, and auto accidents combined.1


Nearly one in 10 high school students will experience physical violence from someone they’re going out with. Even more teens will experience verbal or emotional abuse during the relationship.2

1 in 3 teens will experience abuse in their dating relationships.3


1 in 5 teens in a serious relationship report being hit, slapped or pushed by a partner.4


TYPES OF ABUSE:

EMOTIONAL:  repeated lies and broken promises, withholding affection, giving the silent treatment, extreme jealousy, keeps you away from family friends or interests, insults and put downs, threats, controlling your every move (how to dress, what to eat, where to go, who to see, etc.)

PHYSICAL:  unwanted tickling or hugging, wrestling and pinning you down, punching, kicking, shaking, & slapping attack with a weapon

SEXUAL:  unwanted sexual advance or contact, unwanted sexual comments, unwanted kissing, refusal to stop unwanted intercourse (this is called DATE RAPE)


IF YOU ARE IN AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP, GET HELP!

If you have been physically harmed, get medical attention and inform your parent(s) or an adult you trust.

If you fear you are in danger, seek shelter and call the police or sheriff’s department.

Talk with a friend, crisis hot line, mental health center, or with someone from a Domestic Violence Agency.

Consider a support group or counseling.


ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIPS GET WORSE AS TIME GOES ON.

 


LEARN MORE ABOUT…

Teen Power & Control Wheel

Dating Bill of Rights

Not sure if your relationship is abusive? Take this Quiz!

How to Reduce Dating Violence

Resources for Parents of Teens and Tweens 






OTHER HELPFUL SITES:


           

     

     

             

     





     1.       Surgeon General, United States, 1992

     2.       APA: “Love Doesn’t Have to Hurt Teens”, March 2002

     3.       Davis, Antoinette, MPH. 2008. Interpersonal and Physical Dating Violence among Teens. The National Council on Crime and Delinquency Focus. Available at: http://www.nccdrc.org/nccd/pubs/Dating%20Violence%20Among%20Teens.pdf.

     4.       Liz Claiborne Inc. Topline Findings,Teen Relationship Abuse Survey (Conducted March 2006) Available at:http://www.loveisrespect.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/liz-claiborne-2006-relationship-abuse-hotsheet.pdf]