What is dating violence? Dating violence is when one person purposely hurts or scares someone they are dating. Dating violence can happen:

  • on a first date or in an established relationship
  • to boys or girls
  • in gay or straight relationships
  • to people of all races, cultures, ages, incomes and education levels

Many teens believe that some behaviors, like name-calling or shoving, are part of “normal” relationships. They’re not.  And if your partner continues to act in this way, his/her behavior will likely become more violent over time.

Dating violence includes:

  • physical abuse: hitting, punching, biting, kicking, slapping, shoving, pulling hair, strangling, pinching
  • emotional abuse: name-calling, threatening, screaming, embarrassing, insulting, intimidating, isolating, stalking
  • sexual abuse: forcing sex or unwanted sexual contact; not letting you use birth control; using drugs or alcohol to take advantage of you sexually
  • electronic abuse: using technology or social media to stalk, harass, embarrass, threaten or control you; demanding passwords; sexting; checking cell phones

If you think you may be a victim of dating violence, call our 24-hour hotline at 860.482.7133 to speak with a counselor who can help you.