Dating violence is a pattern of controlling behavior that someone uses against a girlfriend or boyfriend. Dating violence does not have to be physical. It can include verbal and emotional abuse - constant insults, isolation from family and friends, obsessive phone calling, extreme possessiveness, name calling, controlling what someone wears-and it can also include sexual abuse. This type of abuse can happen to anyone, at any age. Dating violence also occurs in same sex relationships.
Are you a victim of Dating Violence? Does your boyfriend/girlfriend do any of the following? If you answer yes to any of these questions, you might be a victim of dating violence.
Refuses to accept a break-up? Threaten to commit suicide if you leave them?
Is jealous or possessive, frequently checks up on you?
Isolates you from friends or family?
Puts you down in front of friends, tells you that you would be nothing without him or her?
Tries to control you by giving orders, making all the decisions, not taking your opinions seriously?
Scares you? Makes you worry about their reactions to things you say or do? Threatens you? Uses or owns weapons?
Is violent? Has a history of fighting, loses temper quickly? Grabs, pushes, shoves, or hits you?
Pressures you for sex or is forceful about sex?
Gets too serious about the relationship too fast?
Abuses alcohol or other drugs and pressures you to take them?
Has a history of failed relationships? Blames the other person for all the problems?
Makes your family and friends concerned for your safety?
What if you are a victim of dating violence and you want out?
Tell your parents, a friend, a counselor, or someone else you trust and who can help.
Stay in touch with friends & stay involved in activities you enjoy. The more isolated you are from friends and family, the more control the abuser has over you.
Alert your school officials, teachers, counselor or security officer.
Keep a written account of the abuse.
Consider filing for an injunction for protection. In Florida, if you are 18 years or older, you can obtain a protection order yourself without an adult’s permission. If you are under 18, you can get a protection order by yourself without an adult’s involvement if you are dating the abuser.
Do not meet your partner alone. Do not let him/her into your home or car when you are alone.
Avoid being alone at school, your job, and on the way to and from places.
Always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back.
Call SPARCC’S 24-hour hotline (941-365-1976) or the Teen Dating Violence Hotline (866-331-9474) to talk to someone who can provide resources and help.
Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation.Safe Place & Rape Crisis Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or disability.
Safe Place & Rape Crisis Center
2139 Main Street Sarasota, Florida 34237
Administration: (941) 365-0208 ~ Hotline: (941) 365-1976
Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation.