Some warning signs that you may be in an abusive relationship with your intimate partner:
- He/she acts extremely jealous or possessive about the time you spend with your friends and family.
- He/she is constantly calling you to find out where you are or who you're with.
- He/she pressures you into having sex or taking drugs or alcohol.
- He/she hits or breaks things to intimidate you.
- He/she blames you or others for losing his/her temper.
- He/she controls what you wear, where you go, and who you hang out with.
- He/she ignores your thoughts and opinions, or makes you afraid to express yourself.
Check out the Equality Wheel for signs of a healthy relationship.
Be aware that no one deserves to be abused, and that you can never change your abuser!
Visit KnowTheRedFlags.com
to take a closer look at the red flags of dating violence.
Below is a list of resources to get help if you or someone you know may be a victim of domestic violence and/or dating abuse.
Call a national helpline:
- Teen Dating Abuse - 1-866-331-9474 or 1-866-331-8453 (TTY)
- Domestic Violence - 1-800-779-7233 or 1-800-787-3224
- Suicide and Crisis - 1-800-784-2433 or 1-800-799-4889 (TTY)
Get more information:
- www.loveisrespect.org
Visit the official website of the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline. - www.promotetruth.org
Read survivor stories and articles about sexual abuse. - www.thesafespace.org
Speak out about domestic violence and dating abuse. - More resources >>
Make a safety plan:
- Think about where you can go for help or who you can call.
- Before leaving on a date, tell someone where you will be and what time you should be home.
- Don't be afraid to tell your family or friends when you need help.
- Consider going on group dates, instead of one-on-one dates, especially if it's with a new person.
- Keep some spare change or a cell phone handy.
- Be aware that drugs and alcohol can get in the way of your ability to react in situations
- Teen dating violence most often takes place in the home of one of the partners. (Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence)
- Studies indicate that as a dating relationship becomes more serious, the potential for and nature of violent behavior also escalates. (National Center for Victims of Crime, 2007)
- Teens identifying as gay, lesbian, and bisexual are as likely to experience violence in same-sex dating relationships as youths involved in opposite-sex dating. (National Center for Victims of Crime, 2007)
