Dating Violence

Dating Violence is characterized as a pattern of coercive behaviors including repeated beatings or threats of violence, verbal and psychological abuse, forced sex, deprivation, control of family possessions, and progressive isolation. From teenagers to the elderly, in a new or longstanding relationship, straight or LGBTQ, people can experience domestic/dating violence. Our services work to meet the safety, emotional, social, legal, and physical needs of the victims.

Abusive relationships can start just like healthy ones-full of love, excitement and romance. As time goes on, what once felt loving or flattering starts to feel controlling and even frightening.

Signs of abusive behavior and dating violence include:
• Excessive Jealousy
• Threats and Accusations
• Name calling and Humiliation
• Possessiveness
• Violence/Hitting, Forced Sex,
•Intimidation, Shouting

Qualities of a healthy relationship include:
•Healthy Communication
Boundaries
•Trust and Support
•Honesty and Responsibility
Mutual Respect

Why focus on youth?:
•Nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner in a single year 1
•One in three girls in the US is a victim of physical, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner, a figure that far exceeds rates of other types of youth violence. 2
•One in ten high school students has been purposefully hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend. 3

If you are in an abusive relationship or a victim of dating violence:
•C
all our Hotline at 516-542-0404
Our experienced counselors respond 24 hours a day to the needs of victims. They will help you get through a crisis and connect you with the services you need. Information is confidential.
•As soon as possible develop a safety plan.
Read more about how to develop a safety plan.

 

1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Physical Dating Violence Among High School Students—United States, 2003,” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, May 19, 2006, Vol. 55, No. 19.
2 Davis, Antoinette, MPH. 2008. Interpersonal and Physical Dating Violence among Teens. The National Council on Crime and Delinquency Focus. Available at http://www.nccd-crc.org/nccd/pubs/2008_focus_teen_dating_violence.pdf.
3 Grunbaum JA, Kann L, Kinchen S, et al. 2004. Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance—United States, 2003. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 53(SS02); 1-96. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss5302a1.htm.

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