Dating violence is an abusive behavior that is used to exert power and control over a dating partner. Behaviors can be physically or psychologically abusive. A relationship involving dating violence may be serious or casual, monogamous or not, short or long term. Like Domestic Violence, Dating Violence does not discriminate against sexual identity, gender, socio-economic status, ethnicity, or religion. Warning signs of dating violence may include but are not limited to:
- Intense jealousy or possessiveness
- Having to “check-in” with their partner
- Isolation from family and friends
- Fear of making their partner angry
- Often apologizing to their partner for their behavior
- Being blamed by their partner for the problems in the relationship
- Excessive phone calls and/or text messages