We have finally reached the end of February, and our Healthy Relationships blog series is coming to a close. We wanted to touch on a more serious topic for our final installment: intimate partner violence. Sometimes we think we’re in a healthy relationship when we’re really not, and it’s important to know the signs of abuse, whether it’s to identify something going on in your own relationship, or the relationships of the people close to you.
Here are some warning signs to be aware of, from breakthecycle.org:
- Checking cell phones, emails or social networks without permission
- Extreme jealousy or insecurity
- Constant belittling or put-downs
- Explosive temper
- Isolation from family and friends
- Making false accusations
- Constant mood swings towards your friend
- Physically inflicting pain or hurt in any way
- Possessiveness
- Telling your friend what to do
- Repeatedly pressuring your friend to have sex
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. While these warning signs can apply to people of any age, dating violence and intimate partner violence begins early for most victims. More than half of women and men who have been physically or sexually abused or stalked by a dating partner first experienced this abuse before age 25.
Intimate partner violence is more common than you might think. One in three young people experiences some form of physical or sexual violence. Young sexual minorities are more likely to experience physical and psychological dating abuse, sexual coercion, and cyber dating abuse than their heterosexual peers. Among male high school students who have experienced physical or sexual abuse, more than 25% have seriously contemplated suicide, and almost as many have attempted suicide. The rates are much higher for female high school students, with nearly half having contemplated suicide and more than 25% attempting suicide.
If you’re not sure if you or your friend could be in an abusive relationship, take this quiz from Break the Cycle. There are several resources available if you feel that you or a friend is experiencing dating violence:
- In Gainesville, Peaceful Paths has a 24-Hour Helpline and an emergency shelter.
- Loveisrespect.org has an extensive list of resources – online, texting, phone, and many more.
- Loveisrespect.org also has resources on how to help a friend who is experiencing dating violence here.
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)
- The National Dating Abuse Helpline is 1-866-331-9474
The National Coalition Against Dating Violence has many resources on their website as well.
