The Warning Signs: STOP, look and listen!

     If teenagers become accustomed to and expect violence in a dating relationship, when we grow up we will expect the same behavior in a marriage. This is why we should become knowledgeable about the subject now, and shouldn't let ourselves be involved in an unhealthy, violent relationship. To stay out of a violent relationship, it is vital that we be aware of some major warning signs of abuse. Some of these signs are:

• One partner pushes the other to become serious in the relationship before she is ready. This can be a sign of impatience and lack of caring by the pushy partner, and can lead to all different types of abuse.

• Repeated pressure to have sex before the partner is ready.

• The partner exhibits extreme jealousy and limits the girl's activities in order to control her everyday life. This is NOT a sign of love, and shouldn't be considered as such.

• The boyfriend views the relationship as a power struggle. He isn't happy unless he's won all of the arguments, and unless his girlfriend agrees with all of his opinions. And if his girlfriend expresses an opposing opinion, he feels like he must put her in line (physically punish her).

• If a girl is called words such as "slut" or is verbally put down by her partner, this is a sign of an unhealthy relationship. No girl deserves to be insulted or blamed for anything, especially by someone who supposedly cares about her.

• Manipulative behaviors, such as putting the girl on guilt trips ("If you loved me you would do.."), are abusive. No girl has to do anything she isn't comfortable with. She owes no one anything.

• If a girl finds herself making excuses for some of her boyfriend's behavior, this is an immediate sign of suspicious behavior. If she can't be honest about her relationship with others, then she won't be honest with herself.

           Please be aware of these indicative
           warning signs of abusive relationships.

           Prevention is always better than cure,
           especially in cases of dangerous dating violence.

The ABUSE Factor in Dating (Main Page Dating Violence)
Warning Signs
The Never-ending CYCLE of Violence
WHY Boyfriends Abuse
WHY Girlfriends Stay
If YOU are involved in an UNHEALTHY Relationship...
Help a FRIEND in an Unhealthy Relationship!
Get your FACTS STRAIGHT, please!