Dating violence is a pattern of behavior used to gain power and control in a relationship, and can include physical, emotional, sexual, economic or electronic abuse. Warning signs of an abusive relationship include bruises, isolation from friends and family, controlling behavior, jealousy, verbal abuse, threats, and breaking objects. Healthy relationships are based on respect, trust, and shared power between equal partners.

2. Dating Violence Myths & Facts

3. Dating violence is a pattern of
learned behaviors that one person
uses against another in order to
gain or maintain power and control
in a dating relationship.

4. Teen Dating Violence Statistics

5. Types of Abuse
 Physical
 Emotional
 Stalking
 Economic
 Sexual
 Electronic/Cyber

6. Electronic Violence Video Clip

8. Warning Signs
Bruises, scratches, burns or other signs of physical injury.
Avoiding friends and family.
Sudden changes in clothing or make-up.
Failing grades, dropping out of activities.
Difficulty making decisions, no opinions.
Sudden changes in mood or personality – becoming secretive.
Changes in eating and sleeping habits – avoiding eye contact.
Using drugs or alcohol.
Casually mentioning violent behavior and laughing off as a joke.
Cell or home phone calls several times a day.
Extreme emotional attachment – fast moving relationship.
Begins blaming themselves – putting themselves down.
Making excuses or apologizing for their partners behavior.

9. Warning Signs
Extreme jealousy and possessiveness.
Controlling behavior - where and who you are with.
Extreme emotional attachment – fast moving relationship.
Blames others for problems/feelings.
Uses guilt trips.
Unrealistic expectations.
Verbal abuse in public or private.
Isolation from family, friends – “Your parent’s don’t like me.”
Has a history of past abuse, abuses animals.
Threats of violence, intimidation.
Breaking or striking objects.

10. Healthy relationships are
characterized by respect, sharing
and trust. They are based on the
belief that both partners are equal
and that the power and control in
the relationship are equally shared.

13. “Dating violence can be prevented when
teens, families, organizations, and
communities work together to implement
effective prevention strategies and
promote healthy relationships.”
-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website
www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/intimatepartnerviolence/teen_dating_violence,html