Dating violence is a serious problem that affects millions of people every year. It is a form of abuse that takes place between two people in a dating relationship. The violence can take many forms, such as physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological.
Physical dating violence is when one partner physically harms the other. This can include hitting, kicking, punching, slapping, or using objects to hurt the other person. Physical violence can also include forced sexual activity or sexual assault.
Emotional dating violence is when one partner uses verbal and emotional abuse to control the other. Examples of this include name-calling, insults, humiliating or embarrassing the other person, or threatening them with harm.
Sexual dating violence is when one partner forces the other to engage in unwanted sexual activity. This can include rape or coercing someone into unwanted sexual acts. It also includes sexual harassment and stalking.
Psychological dating violence is when one partner uses psychological tactics to control the other partner. This includes threats, intimidation, manipulation, and isolating the other person from friends and family.
All of these forms of violence have a lasting and damaging effect on the victim. It is important to recognize and seek help if you are in an abusive relationship. Knowing which of the many forms of dating violence best describes your situation is the first step toward finding help and ending the cycle of abuse.
