Does your Partner #Abuse you?

Dating Abuse

In relationships, abuse is more widespread than you might think. One in 10 high school students has been purposefully hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend. But it doesn’t have to be violence to be abuse. Using words to hurt someone is abuse too, and so is being pressured or forced into being physical and having sex. A lot of times, unhealthy dynamics are about power and control, and controlling behavior becomes abusive. It doesn’t have to be this way. In your relationship, you are in control of your choices, and you are in control of your body.  If the person you are with isn’t listening to you, won’t respect your boundaries, or doesn’t stop when you say stop, that’s a big red flag. It’s important to take those signs and behaviors seriously, because it can lead to serious problems.
These are excerpts from interviews with real people who experienced abusive relationships. Their names have been changed to protect them. If you, or anyone you know, is experiencing abuse of any kind talk to an adult you trust. You can also find help at the following hotlines. You are not alone. Love is Respect: National Dating Abuse Helpline
1-866-331-9474 | 1-866-331-8453 TTY
loveisrespect.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233) | 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
www.rainn.org