According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, dating abuse occurs when an individual purposely causes physical or psychological harm to a person he is dating. Dating abuse can include threatening behavior, physical violence, such as kicking or hitting, and sexual assault or rape. Dating abuse may also be referred to as intimate partner violence, which is a type of interpersonal violence that occurs between people in an intimate relationship. Both men and women can be victims or perpetrators of dating abuse.
Significance
According to a 2006 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as many as one in four adolescents reports being the victim of verbal, physical or sexual abuse in a dating relationship. The CDC also reports that individuals in abusive relationships are at higher risk for associated health problems, such as physical injuries and psychological issues such as depression.
Features
According to Project Safe, a program at Vanderbilt University, control and power issues are typically central to issues of abuse in a dating relationship. The abuser seeks to have power over a victim, and this can result in threats, intimidation, excessive criticism and violent behavior such as hitting, pushing, or breaking objects. An abuser is typically quick to get intensely involved in a relationship and often vacillates between charming behavior in public and abusive behavior in private.
Warning Signs
Project Safe notes that there are a variety of warning signs in abusive dating relationships. A dating partner may have unrealistic expectations of a partner or of the relationship. Jealousy and distrust are often present in these relationships, and a dating partner may excuse possessive or controlling behavior with jealousy. Another clear warning sign is any past incident of abuse against another intimate partner. Project Safe notes that it is critical to know these warning signs in order to prevent a potentially destructive or dangerous dating relationship from developing.
Prevention/Solution
Planned Parenthood and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggest that the prevalence of dating abuse and intimate partner violence can be reduced with education efforts. Both groups note that teaching young people the components of a healthy relationship will help partners know when a relationship is not safe or constructive. In addition, these groups advocate for increased support resources for individuals who may need assistance in ending an abusive relationship.
Healthy Relationships
Planned Parenthood notes that healthy relationships are based on trust, respectful communication, honesty and equality. They also suggest that a healthy relationship will make both partners feel an increased sense of security and happiness. Project Safe points out that partners in healthy relationships have joint decision-making and responsibilities, and both partners respect the other's sexual values and do not force sexual demands or expectations.
Member Comments