Relationship Violence

Relationship Violence

 

What is relationship violence?

 

Relationship violence is physical, emotional, sexual, financial, or verbal abuse committed by one partner against the other. In addition to the term relationship violence, "domestic violence" and "dating violence" are also used interchangeably to descrive the same tactics. However, to be labeled domestic, the couple must be living together.

 

The Facts...

 

* The Bureau of Justice Statistics confirms that the highest rate of domestic violence applies to women ages 16 to 24 * 21% to 53% of college students have experience at least one incident of dating violence

* Everyday, 3 to 4 women in the United States are killed by their partners

* One half to three-fourths of college women experience some form of sexual aggresion in dating relationships

 

What are the Warning Signs?

 

Relationship violence is not always easy to predict but there are a few warning signs to watch for:

 

* Excessiuve jealousy

* Name calling

* Isolation from family or friends

*Controlling behavior

* Constant blaming

* Actual or threatened physical harm

* Excessive drinking and/or drug use

* Public humilation

* Makes unreasonable accusations

* Demonstrates a prejudice of gender, race, or religion

 

Remember...

 

You have the right to:

1. Have your limits and values respected

2. Have your own feelings and be able to express them

3. Refuse sex anytime for any reason

4. Have friends and space aside from your partner

 

You are in a Positive and Healthy Relationship when both people:

 

* Accept each other for who they are, and not try to control or change the other person

* Encourage the other to grow, learn and achieve

* Look forward to spending time with others (family and friends) and have time to devote to hobbies or interests

* Feel energized, happy and confident

* Communicate honestly about matters that are important to them

* Respectthe others rights anbd values regarding personal matters

* Don't feel pressured into having sex to prove love

* Trust each other. Feel secure and un-threatened