Printer FriendlyDating Violence:
What Is Dating Violence?
What Is Dating Violence?What is dating violence?
Dating violence can be emotional, physical, or both. Some people believe that emotional abuse isn't as serious as physical abuse, but this isn't true. Emotional abuse and physical abuse are both very serious. Both types of abuse have very serious consequences for both the victim and the abuser.
It's important to know that both guys and girls can commit dating violence. In addition, girls aren't always the victims of dating violence. Guys can be victims too. In fact, sometimes both partners commit physical and emotional abuse.
What is physical abuse?
Physical abuse is when a person touches your body in an unwanted or violent way. Physical abuse also includes sexual abuse, which is any sexual contact that you don't want.
Some examples of physical abuse include:
- Hitting/slapping
- Shoving
- Kicking
- Choking
- Forcing sexual acts
What is emotional abuse?
Emotional (or verbal) abuse is when a person says something or does something that makes you afraid or feel bad about yourself.
Some examples of emotional abuse include:
- Threatening
- Insulting
- Bullying
- Blaming
- Using words to control someone
Why would a person hurt someone they're dating?
There are many reasons which might help to explain, but never excuse, why a person might abuse someone they have an intimate relationship with.
A person may be abusive to someone they are dating because:
- The person may experience or have experienced violence at home
- They may have low self-esteem or lack of self confidence
- They may have poor communication skills
- They may want to control the relationship, or they may feel bad about themselves and think they'll feel better if they make someone else feel worse
- They may struggle with knowing how to properly express anger, sadness, powerlessness, and other difficult emotions
Drugs and alcohol can also play a part in abusive behavior. There are some people who lose control and act abusively after they have been drinking or taking drugs. This is no excuse. Just because someone is under the influence of drugs and alcohol, or has a bad temper doesn't mean that their abusive behavior is okay.
Even though there are reasons why a person may be violent, there is no excuse for dating violence. A person who is violent (emotionally or physically) should address the issue with a trained professional such as a counselor or therapist.
 Previous |
Next: Dating Violence Quizzes |
Updated: 6/30/2011
