Dating Violence

Dating violence: are you in danger?

It is always significant to recognize that people who are into relationships with their partners do not always feel secured, happy and loved. Instead, they are naïve victims of dating violence. Worse, they often hide it from their friends and families for several reasons. What do you know about this kind of common yet elusive worldwide issue?

Dating violence broadly refers to verbal, emotional and/or physical abuse of the partner through the other in a present or previous dating relationship. Abusive behavior often associates dating violence and this act is carried out through controlling or hurting the other. Dating violence occur in both female and male relationships, even in gay and lesbian partners.

Dating Violence: the types

Emotional abuse – this is harming the self-esteem of the person, causing humiliation. Instances include withholding affection, broken promises, repeated lies, extreme jealousy keeping the partner away from interests of friends, put-downs, insults, threats against the person's safety, movement control such as manner of dressing, places to go or foods to eat.

Physical abuse – it causes physical injury or harm. Among the example of this kind of abuse are slapping, kicking, punching, grabbing hard causing discomfort, pushing, shaking, knife, gun and other weapon attack; any hurtful or unwanted physical attack, even unwanted hugging or ticking.

Sexual abuse – is any form of unwanted sexual contact or advance. It can take in everything from undesirable sexual commentaries to kissing and intercourse. It also includes date rape or forced sexual act between two persons who identify each other.

Dating Violence Effects

Not only does it result to physical wounds, but also more importantly, dating abuse can cause self-esteem bruises and permanent emotional injury, even physical death. Dating violence also prevents a person from learning and growing from a healthy relationship.

Other effects of dating violence include appetite loss, shame, self mistrust and to others, depressions, fear, terror, self-blame, sadness, confusion, anxiety, guilt, suicide and death.

What to do when you're involved

According to Bureau of Justice Statistics Special report, 85 % of the teen population is dating abuse victims. If you are one of them, right away get out from that relationship, seek help and constantly trust in yourself. Meanwhile, if you know someone who is involved in such maltreatment, believe and support the person. You may lay down options to do.

Further, the National Youth Crisis Line Child Help in the United States have a convent house for victims to run to. They are run by St. Croix's women coalition. You can also call and talk to them.

Even though the common notion tells that abuse only happens between married couple, there are cases where the same thing happens between couples that are just dating. Avoid any forms and violence and be aware of the kind of relationship that you are into at the moment.