Dating Violence

Definition 

Dating violence is a type of intimate partner violence, also called domestic violence, in which the violence occurs when two people know each other and have been involved in a relationship.  This can include people in a current or former relationship.  Research reveals that often the violence is psychological well as physical.  The violence can also be financial, spiritual, verbal, emotional, or sexual.  Dating violence occurs in both straight and gay/lesbian relationships. 

Statistics  

• In one study 32% of college students reported dating violence by a previous partner and 21% reported violence by a current partner (Sellers & Bromley, 1996). 

• According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2001), one in three dating relationships will be involved in at least one incident of violence in the course of their relationship. 

• Women are at greatest risk for intimate partner violence and young women ages 20-24 are the greatest risk of nonfatal intimate partner violence (Catalano, 2007).

• One out of four US women has been physically assaulted or raped by an intimate partner while one out of 14 men has been similarly assaulted (Tjaden & Thoennes, 2000).

Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship

• Gets angry when you hang out with other friends or people of the opposite sex.
• Bosses you around.
• Often gets in fights with other people or losses his or her temper.
• Pressures you to have sex or do something sexual that you do not want to do.
• Swears at you, calls you names, or uses mean language.
• Uses drugs and alcohol, tries to pressure you into doing the same thing.
• Blames you for his or her problems, or tells you that it is your fault that he or she hurt you.
• Insults you or tries to embarrass you in front of other people.
• Makes you feel scared of their reaction to things.
• Always wants to know here you are going and who you are with. 
• Threatens your immigration status or keeps you from learning English.
• Ignores or dismisses your ideas or things you want to do.
• Accusing you of flirting or getting romantically involved with someone else.
• Keep you from having money of your own or from using the car.
• Criticizes your sexual performance or uses sex as a way to punish you.
• Leaves you stranded in a dangerous place.
• Refuses to help you out or keeps you from the doctor.

Warning Sign that Someone May be Abusive

                       Jealousy                                                       Controlling Behavior

                       Quick involvement in the relationship     Unrealistic expectations

                       Isolates the partner                                    Blames others for problems

                       Hypersensitive                                            Cruelty towards animals/children

                       “Playful” use of force during sex              Verbal abuse

                       Belief in rigid sex roles                              Extreme moods

                       Intimidation                                                  Abusive in past relationships

                       Threatens violence                                     Breaks or destroys objects

                       Uses force during an argument               Has trouble controlling anger/temper

                       Depression                                                  Dependency and attachment problems

                       Sense of entitlement                                  Low self-esteem

What you Can Do

• Recognize that you do not deserve abuse and it is not your fault.
• Acknowledge that you deserve respect and care within a relationship.
• Understand that there are resources available; you are not alone.  Seek supportive counseling.
• Develop a safety plan, for instance, have money and car keys hidden; seek a safe place.
• Report the violence to family, friends, and law enforcement agencies.  

Community and National Resources 

In an emergency, call the police at 911

National Domestic Violence Hotline                              1(800) 799-SAFE (7233)

Houston Area Women’s Center                                      (713) 528-2121

Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse                                   http://avda-tx.org/v2/

Teen and Young Adult Dating Abuse Helpline            1 (866)  331-9474 or loveisrespect.org

Texas Council on Family Violence                                  http://www.tcfv.org/

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence             http://www.ncadv.org/

University of Houston Campus Resources

UH Police

          Emergency                                                              911        

          Information                                                               (713) 743-0600 or (713) 743-3333

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)      (713)  743-5454

Women’s Resource Center                                            (832) 842-6191

Health Center                                                                     (713) 743-5151