Going to College and Staying Healthy: Violence/Abuse

Going to College and Staying Healthy:
Violence/Abuse in Relationships

What if I'm being abusive in a relationship?

If you have have yelled at or physically hurt your partner, or feel that you could be abusive, you have taken the first positive step by recognizing a serious problem. It's possible that you have been abused in the past or have trouble with anger. For your sake and the sake of your current or future relationship, you must get help. Contact your college counseling service or a nearby therapist to help you deal with your feelings and behavior. Counseling can help you understand why you have such strong feelings, and what steps you can take to stop being abusive.

What if someone is violent or abusive toward me?

Abuse in a relationship can be both physical and mental. Your partner should never threaten you or hurt you, and should never threaten to harm any of your possessions or people that are important to you. You should never feel afraid of your partner or controlled by him or her. Your partner should never make you feel worthless or bad about yourself. If your partner does any of these things, it is time to get help and get out of the relationship. You deserve to be treated with love and respect by your partner.

If you are being abused, you should talk to an adult that you trust, someone from your college counseling service, or a domestic abuse hotline. Click here for hotline numbers. These people can help you with your concerns.

If you ever feel that you are in danger, or in an out-of-control situation, call 911 and ask for help immediately.

Check out these other College Health Guides:

Knowing About My Health Before I Go to College

Health Services and Health Care Providers

Staying Healthy at College

Some Common Health Problems at College

Resources: Hotlines/Websites/Books

Written by the CYWH and YMH Staff