Preparations are being made for cards, flowers, candy, balloons and more for this upcoming Valentine’s Day. Yet, are we fully prepared to be sure that these are healthy relationships? February is Dating Violence Awareness Month.
Dating violence is repeated verbal, physical, or sexual abuse used to frighten, hurt, and control a girlfriend or boyfriend. It is power play.
No one wants to see their 16 year old daughter or friend is the next fatal victim to dating violence. Even one life is one too many. We must break the cycle of violence!
How do we prepare?
Know the warning signs –
Explosive Anger Possessiveness
Controlling Attitude Low Self-Esteem
Quick Involvement Alcohol and Drug Use
Abused former partners threatens violence
Checks your personal social media, email or phone without asking permission
Isolates you from family and friends
Unpredictable mood swings
Uses force in an argument
Know your rights! You have the right to –
Ask for or refuse a date
Suggest or refuse activities
Have your own feelings and be able to express them
Be heard
Have friends and space aside from my partner
Know how to be safe – create a safety plan
Know how to further educate yourself on dating violence prevention
When the flowers have wilted and the candy has been eaten, we want to know that we and those we love have healthy relationships. Are you prepared? Help spread the word! Let’s break the cycle of dating violence!
A healthy relationship is built around trust and respect. Open honest communication relies on two individuals striving toward that common bond.
Leave a Reply