Dayton Independent School District

Dating Violence

Statistics show that approximately one in three teenagers has experienced violence in a dating relationship. Date violence occurs when one partner attempts to maintain power and control over the other through abuse. The violence crosses all racial, economic and social lines. The majority of victims of dating violence are women.

Some popular beliefs about teen dating that can lead to violence:
1) Some young men may believe that “masculinity” is shown through physical aggressiveness
2) Young men may feel that they will lose respect if they are attentive and supportive towards their girlfriends
3) Some feel they should and can demand intimacy.
4) Some think they have the right to “control” their partners in any way necessary.
5) Young women may believe that their boyfriend’s jealousy, possessiveness and abuse are “romantic”.
6) Many feel they are responsible for solving problems in their relationships.
7) Often teens feel that abuse is normal because their friends are also being abused.

There are often warning signs that your date may become abusive. Some signs:
* Extreme jealousy
* Controlling behavior
* Mood swings
* Alcohol and drug use
* Explosive anger
* Isolates you from friends and family
* Threatens violence
* Threatens to hurt you or themselves if you leave them
* Calls, texts or IMs you excessively
* Tries to force sex before you’re ready
* Partner puts you down or tells you that you would be nothing without him
* Blames others for his actions
* Manipulation through guilt
* Objectification of women

Clues that a teen may be experiencing dating violence:
* Physical signs of injury
* Truancy
* Failing grades
* Changes in personality
* Isolation from friends and family
* Alcohol or drug use
* Changes in clothing or makeup style
* Stopped usual after-school activities
* Overly worried about upsetting or angering her partner
* Sadness
* Weight loss
* Self-blame

Statements abusers use to excuse their actions:
* ”I had a bad childhood.”
* ”I can’t control it.”
* ”She pushes my buttons.”
* ”I just have a problem when I drink or use drugs.”
* ”Smashing things isn’t abusive, it’s venting.”
* ”I just need to be understood.”
* ”I have a short fuse. I get it from my dad.”

Be aware that abuse gets worse and more frequent over time. Victims of abuse do not cause the violence. The abuser is responsible for every act of abuse that is committed.

If you are being hurt, get help by calling a hotline or talking with a trusted adult or your campus counselor. They will assist you in forming a plan to keep you safe. Remember that you are not alone.

Hotlines and Websites for Dating Violence
loveisrespect.org
National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline 1-866-331-9474
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233

(The information above is adapted from the loveisrespect.org site and the ACADV site.)


District Information Our Schools School Board Central Office Employment For Parents For Staff District Calendar DISD Home	Dating Violence Statistics show that approximately one in three teenagers has experienced violence in a dating relationship. Date violence occurs when one partner attempts to maintain power and control over the other through abuse. The violence crosses all racial, economic and social lines. The majority of victims of dating violence are women. Some popular beliefs about teen dating that can lead to violence: 1) Some young men may believe that “masculinity” is shown through physical aggressiveness 2) Young men may feel that they will lose respect if they are attentive and supportive towards their girlfriends 3) Some feel they should and can demand intimacy. 4) Some think they have the right to “control” their partners in any way necessary. 5) Young women may believe that their boyfriend’s jealousy, possessiveness and abuse are “romantic”. 6) Many feel they are responsible for solving problems in their relationships. 7) Often teens feel that abuse is normal because their friends are also being abused. There are often warning signs that your date may become abusive. Some signs: * Extreme jealousy * Controlling behavior * Mood swings * Alcohol and drug use * Explosive anger * Isolates you from friends and family * Threatens violence * Threatens to hurt you or themselves if you leave them * Calls, texts or IMs you excessively * Tries to force sex before you’re ready * Partner puts you down or tells you that you would be nothing without him * Blames others for his actions * Manipulation through guilt * Objectification of women Clues that a teen may be experiencing dating violence: * Physical signs of injury * Truancy * Failing grades * Changes in personality * Isolation from friends and family * Alcohol or drug use * Changes in clothing or makeup style * Stopped usual after-school activities * Overly worried about upsetting or angering her partner * Sadness * Weight loss * Self-blame Statements abusers use to excuse their actions: * ”I had a bad childhood.” * ”I can’t control it.” * ”She pushes my buttons.” * ”I just have a problem when I drink or use drugs.” * ”Smashing things isn’t abusive, it’s venting.” * ”I just need to be understood.” * ”I have a short fuse. I get it from my dad.” Be aware that abuse gets worse and more frequent over time. Victims of abuse do not cause the violence. The abuser is responsible for every act of abuse that is committed. If you are being hurt, get help by calling a hotline or talking with a trusted adult or your campus counselor. They will assist you in forming a plan to keep you safe. Remember that you are not alone. Hotlines and Websites for Dating Violence loveisrespect.org National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline 1-866-331-9474 National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 (The information above is adapted from the loveisrespect.org site and the ACADV site.)
	Dayton ISD, 100 Cherry Creek Road, Dayton, TX 77535 Phone: 936.258.2667, Fax: 936.258.5616 Last Updated: February 27, 2008