Dating Violence: General Information

Health Problems

Dating can be an important part of growing up. It can help us learn communication skills and can help us determine what we are looking for in a partner. However, dating can also be stressful, and communication with a girlfriend or boyfriend can be difficult. Some teens find themselves in relationships where violence/abuse (emotional, physical, or both) is present. This guide and the dating violence quizzes can help you recognize the signs of dating violence, what to do if you are a victim of violence or you’re behaving in a violent way, learn the differences between a healthy relationship and an abusive relationship, learn what might cause a person to be violent in a relationship, and what to do if you or a friend is experience dating violence.

What is dating violence?

Dating violence can be emotional, physical, or both. Some people believe that emotional abuse isn’t as serious as physical abuse, but this isn’t true. Emotional abuse and physical abuse are both very serious. Both types of abuse have very serious consequences for both the victim and the abuser.

It’s important to know that both guys and girls can commit dating violence. In addition, girls aren’t always the victims of dating violence. Guys can be victims too. In fact, sometimes both partners commit physical and emotional abuse.

What is physical abuse?

Physical abuse is when a person touches your body in an unwanted or violent way. Physical abuse also includes sexual abuse, which is any sexual contact that you don’t want.

Some examples of physical abuse include:

  • Hitting/slapping
  • Shoving
  • Kicking
  • Choking
  • Forcing sexual acts

What is emotional abuse?

Emotional (or verbal) abuse is when a person says something or does something that makes you afraid or feel bad about yourself.

Some examples of emotional abuse include:

  • Threatening
  • Insulting
  • Bullying
  • Blaming
  • Using words to control someone

Why would a person hurt someone they’re dating?

There are many reasons which might help to explain, but never excuse, why a person might abuse someone they have an intimate relationship with.

A person may be abusive to someone they are dating because:

  • The person may experience or have experienced violence at home
  • They may have low self-esteem or lack of self confidence
  • They may have poor communication skills
  • They may want to control the relationship, or they may feel bad about themselves and think they’ll feel better if they make someone else feel worse
  • They may struggle with knowing how to properly express anger, sadness, powerlessness, and other difficult emotions

Drugs and alcohol can also play a part in abusive behavior. There are some people who lose control and act abusively after they have been drinking or taking drugs. This is no excuse. Just because someone is under the influence of drugs and alcohol, or has a bad temper doesn’t mean that their abusive behavior is okay.

Even though there are reasons why a person may be violent, there is no excuse for dating violence. A person who is violent (emotionally or physically) should address the issue with a trained professional such as a counselor or therapist.

Healthy Relationships vs. Abusive Relationships

What makes a healthy relationship?

  • You and the person you are dating feel good about each other and yourselves.
  • You do activities together, such as going to movies, playing sports, or hanging out with other friends.
  • There is respect and honesty. You both listen to each other’s thoughts and feelings. Even if you argue or disagree sometimes, you can talk things out and reach a compromise that works for both of you.
  • You accept each other’s right to say “no” or change your mind, without giving each other a hard time.
  • You understand that it’s important for both of you to stay involved with the activities and interests you enjoyed before you became close, because you both need time to hang out with other friends, as well as time for yourselves.

Why do some people stay in unhealthy or violent relationships?

It can be hard to get out of a violent relationship – you can’t just turn off your feelings for someone you care about. Also, violent relationships often go in cycles. After a person is abusive, they may be extra nice and apologetic, and promise never to do it again. It may be a while before they act violently again.

Other reasons it can be hard to get out of an abusive relationship include:

  • You may be ashamed to admit you are in an abusive relationship
  • You may be scared to be without that person
  • You may be scared that your friend or partner will hurt you or hurt themselves if you tell someone

People who are abused often believe that if they are nice enough, or behave well enough, their girlfriend or boyfriend will stop being violent – NOT TRUE. Abuse is not your fault, so changing your behavior won’t stop it. Whatever the reasons, leaving an unhealthy relationship is hard, and you will likely need help to do it.

Reasons to leave an abusive relationship:

  • Abusive relationships are unhealthy emotionally. You may lose your self confidence and find it harder to have other relationships.
  • Abusive relationships are physically unhealthy. You can have trouble sleeping, headaches, or stomachaches. You might feel depressed, sad, anxious, or nervous.
  • If you’re being physically abused, it’s possible that you may receive injuries that cause permanent damage.
  • You deserve to be in a relationship that is healthy and fun!

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