This document provides information about safe dating and healthy relationships. It outlines rights and responsibilities in dating, such as being treated with respect and not being hurt physically or emotionally. It also lists potential misconceptions some teenagers have that could lead to unhealthy or abusive relationships. Warning signs of potentially abusive relationships are given. Resources for help with dating violence are provided. Safety tips for dating are suggested, such as double dating initially and letting others know plans.

1. UNIT 4: RELATIONSHIPS
PART 3: SAFE DATING
© Jenison International Academy
Melissa Rodgers

2. DATING BILL OF RIGHTS AND
RESPONSIBILITIES
You have certain rights and responsibilities in
a dating relationship.
The following are some examples -
personalize these for yourself, and make a
commitment to stick by them.

3. DATING BILL OF RIGHTS AND
RESPONSIBILITIES
I HAVE THE RIGHT:
To always be treated with respect
To be in a healthy relationship
To not be hurt physically or emotionally
To have friends and activities apart from my
boyfriend / girlfriend
To end the relationship

4. DATING BILL OF RIGHTS AND
RESPONSIBILITIES
I PLEDGE TO:
Always treat my boyfriend / girlfriend with respect
Never hurt my boyfriend / girlfriend physically, verbally, or
emotionally.
Respect my boyfriend / girlfriend decisions concerning
sex and affection
Not be controlling or manipulative in my relationship
Accept responsibility for myself and my actions

5. TEEN DATING VIOLENCE OFTEN IS HIDDEN
BECAUSE TEENAGERS TYPICALLY:
are inexperienced with dating relationships
are pressured by peers to act violently
want independence from parents
have “romantic” views of love

6. SOME YOUNG MEN MAY BELIEVE
(MISCONCEPTIONS OF GUYS AND DATING):
they have the right to “control” their female
partners
“masculinity” is physical aggressiveness
they “possess” their partner
they should demand intimacy
they may lose respect if they are attentive and
supportive towards their girlfriends

7. SOME YOUNG WOMEN MAY
BELIEVE (MISCONCEPTIONS OF GIRLS AND DATING) :
they are responsible for solving problems in their
relationships
their boyfriend’s jealousy, possessiveness, and
even physical abuse is, “romantic”
abuse is “normal”, because their friends are also
being abused
there is no one to ask for help

8. Teenagers can choose better relationships
when they learn to identify the early warning
signs of an abusive relationship, understand
they have choices, and believe they are
valuable people who deserve to be treated
with respect.

9. EARLY WARNING SIGNS THAT YOUR DATE MAY
EVENTUALLY BECOME ABUSIVE:
 Extreme jealousy
 Controlling behavior
 Quick involvement
 Unpredictable mood
swings
 Alcohol and drug use
 Explosive anger
 Isolates you from
friends and family
 Use force during an
argument
 Shows hypersensitivity
 Believes in rigid sex
roles
 Blames others for his
problems or feelings
 Cruel to animals or
children
 Verbally abusive
 Abused former
partners
 Threatens violence

10. COMMON CLUES THAT INDICATE A TEEN MAY BE
EXPERIENCING DATING VIOLENCE:
 Physical Signs of Injury
 Truancy, dropping out
of school
 Failing grades
 Indecision
 Changes in mood or
personality
 Use of drugs / alcohol
 Pregnancy
 Emotional outbursts
 Isolation

11. Dating Violence Help Hotline:
Call: 1-866-331-9474
Text “lovis” to 22522
From www.LoveIsRespect.org

12. DATING SAFETY
Consider double-dating the first few times you go out
with a new person
Before leaving on a date, know the exact plans for the
evening and make sure a parent or friend knows the
plans and what time you are expected home. Let
your date know that you are expected to call or tell
that person when you get home
Be aware of your decreased ability to react under the
influence of alcohol or drugs

13. DATING SAFETY
If you leave a place (for example a party) with
someone you do not know well, make sure you tell
another person you are leaving and with whom.
Be assertive! Be firm and straightforward in your
relationships
Trust you instincts. If a situation makes you
uncomfortable, try to be calm and think of a way to
remove yourself from the situation.