Relationships 101 Lots of people do not recognize abuse when it happens or don’t know how to tell whether or not a relationship is healthy. Educate yourself about domestic violence. You will learn ways to recognize abuse early on in a relationship and you can take our quiz to find out if your relationship is healthy. Domestic Violence Domestic violence can affect anyone. Whether you are a victim, know someone who is a victim or even if you have never experienced abuse, it’s always good to be informed and learn about ways to get involved. Learn more Sexual Assault Sexual assaults are not always “attacks.” Read examples of sexual assault and find out what you should do if you’ve been a victim. Learn more Teen Dating Violence Violence is common in teen relationships. Often, dating violence goes unrecognized, either because people don’t know what abuse looks like or they think the abusive behaviors are normal. Teens also face greater challenges than adults do when dealing with abuse. Learn more Building Healthy Relationships Relationships are not always an easy thing—they do take some work. But following a few simple guidelines will put your relationship on a healthy track. Learn more Children Who Witness Domestic Violence Domestic violence doesn’t just affect the victim in the relationship; domestic violence can also affect children in serious ways. It’s important to get help not just for yourself, but for your children as well. Learn more Talking With Your Teen About Dating Violence Helping your teen avoid abusive relationships can begin by a simple conversation on the topic. Find out how to best guide this talk and what points are most important to address. Learn more The Cycle of Abuse Victims of domestic violence experience abuse in many different ways and it rarely occurs only once. Many victims would agree that abuse happens in a repeated cycle. Learning about the cycle of violence can be helpful to someone in need. Learn more Types of Abuse Domestic violence is not just physical abuse. It doesn’t have to leave marks or scars in order for it to be abuse. It can take various forms like sexual and verbal/emotional. Learn about the different types of abuse and how to stay safe. Learn more violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors in a romantic relationship or between family members. This may include abuse by a boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse or parent. The abusive behaviors can include physical, sexual, verbal and/or emotional abuse. Often, an abusive partner uses abuse to have power and control over their victim. It’s a serious problem that affects all communities. What Do I Need to Know?Because every relationship is unique, domestic violence can take many forms. The types of abuse may range from verbal attacks and controlling behaviors, to physical and sexual assaults. It is important to remember that everyone deserves to be in a safe and healthy relationship, free from violence and fear. It may be hard to recognize the early warning signs of abuse, and often the early incidents of abuse are minimized. Usually domestic violence is not a one-time incident and many find that the abuse occurs in a repeating cycle of violence. Each act of abuse may be followed by an apology, or the abusive partner may blame others for the abuse. As the relationship continues, the abuse may get worse and occur more frequently. What Can I Do?The impact of domestic violence is felt by everyone, but you can make a difference.
<<Domestic
Violence <<Sexual
Assault <<Teen
Dating Violence <<Building
Healthy Relationships <<Children
Who Witness Domestic Violence <<Talking To Your Teen About Dating Violence <<The Cycle Of Abuse <<Types Of Abuse
What is Sexual Assault?Sexual assault and sexual abuse are any type of unwanted sexual contact. Everyone has the right to decide what they do or don’t want to do sexually. Not all sexual assaults are violent “attacks.” Forcing or pressuring someone to do something they don’t want to do or don’t consent to is sexual assault. Some examples of sexual assault and abuse are:
It is important to keep in mind that:
What do I do if I have been sexual assaulted?If you have been sexually assaulted, first get to a safe place away from the attacker. From there, you can decide what you need most as you move forward. As scared and confused as you may be, it is important to remember that the assault was in no way your fault. You have options as you decide what to do next:
<<Domestic
Violence <<Sexual
Assault <<Teen
Dating Violence <<Building
Healthy Relationships <<Children
Who Witness Domestic Violence <<Talking To Your Teen About Dating Violence <<The Cycle Of Abuse <<Types Of Abuse
Domestic violence is not just a problem for adults. Teens experience domestic violence in their relationships, too. In fact, domestic violence is very common in teen dating relationships. Here are some important facts:
What Do I Need to Know?Recognizing abuse in a relationship can be difficult, especially for teens. There are many types of abuse that teens often believe are not abusive or are normal in a relationship. Even though teen relationships may be different from adult relationships in many ways, teens do experience the same types of physical, sexual, verbal and emotional abuse that adults do. Teens also face unique obstacles if they decide to get help. Unlike many adults, teens may not have money, transportation, or safe places to go. They may have concerns about lack of confidentiality, reports to police and child protective services, and parental notification. But teens do have rights to a safe and healthy relationship. In some states, teens may apply for restraining or protective orders and get domestic violence services without the help of a parent or guardian. What Can I Do?If you or someone you know is experiencing teen dating violence, consider these steps:
<<Domestic Violence <<Sexual
Assault <<Teen
Dating Violence <<Building
Healthy Relationships <<Children
Who Witness Domestic Violence <<Talking To Your Teen About Dating Violence <<The Cycle Of Abuse <<Types Of Abuse
About Building Healthy Relationships Relationships are never perfect; maintaining a strong one takes some work—by both people. It’s not always easy, but it shouldn’t feel like a chore. It’s a good idea to keep some relationship basics in mind to keep things moving forward on a healthy track. Following these basics will help you and your boyfriend or girlfriend create a safe and happy relationship. What do I need to know?Everyone has a right to a safe and healthy relationship—one that is based on mutual honesty, trust, respect and open communication. Remember that a relationship consists of two people; both should always feel like an equal in the relationship and feel free to speak their mind. And it’s not just about making sure you get your say; it’s also about letting your partner know you’re listening. It’s likely that arguments will happen from time to time and that you will disagree – this is normal. But how you choose to deal with your disagreements is what really counts. At the end of the day, you should feel happy not only in your relationship, but also with what you’re getting out of and putting into it. Being aware of your own feelings and those of your partner’s is a big part of making any relationship work. What should I do?The first step to creating a healthy relationship is making sure you both want and expect the same things—being on the same page is very important. The following tips will help you create and maintain a healthy relationship:
Remember that you have a right to a safe and healthy relationship, free from violence and free from fear.
<<Domestic Violence <<Sexual
Assault <<Teen
Dating Violence <<Building
Healthy Relationships <<Children
Who Witness Domestic Violence <<Talking To Your Teen About Dating Violence <<The Cycle Of Abuse <<Types Of Abuse
About Children Who Witness Domestic Violence Each year, an estimated 3.3 million children are exposed to incidents of domestic violence.1 These children are at greater risk for emotional, behavioral, social and psychological problems. Domestic violence creates a home environment where children do not feel safe and may live in constant fear. The Facts
What Do I Need to Know?Domestic and dating violence doesn’t just hurt you; it also hurts your children, no matter what their age. Infants exposed to family violence are more likely to have frequent illness, experience eating and sleeping problems, and show irritability, such as excessive crying. Preschool age children often complain of body aches, such as head and belly pain, have increased anxiety around strangers, and experience signs of terror, such as stuttering, hiding, yelling and nightmares. School-aged children who see domestic and dating violence in the home often show a loss of interest in social activities, low self-esteem and confidence, poor school performance, and post traumatic stress disorder. Adolescents are more likely to increase risk taking and antisocial behavior, such as dropping out of school and substance abuse. When children who witness family violence grow up into adults, they may commit crimes, violence, and partner abuse, be depressed, have substance abuse problems, and have low self-esteem. Children deserve a healthy living environment and so do you. What Can I Do?If you are involved in an abusive relationship, it’s important to get help, for you and your children. If you are a victim, talk to someone you trust and consider getting help to end your relationship safely. If you are abusing your partner, take responsibility for ending the abuse by getting help for yourself. Violence by one parent against the other is never okay and it is not only damaging to the adults; it is damaging to children as well.
<<Domestic Violence <<Sexual
Assault <<Teen
Dating Violence <<Building
Healthy Relationships <<Children
Who Witness Domestic Violence <<Talking To Your Teen About Dating Violence <<The Cycle Of Abuse <<Types Of Abuse
About Talking With Your Teen About Dating Violence It’s never too early to talk to your teens about healthy relationships and dating violence. Starting conversations– even if you don’t think your teen is dating – is one of the most important steps you can take to help prevent dating violence. Helpful tips for parents:
Starter questions:
<<Domestic Violence <<Sexual
Assault <<Teen
Dating Violence <<Building
Healthy Relationships <<Children
Who Witness Domestic Violence <<Talking To Your Teen About Dating Violence <<The Cycle Of Abuse <<Types Of Abuse
In many abusive relationships, violence is not a one time incident. The abuse usually happens again and again. While every relationship is different, many abusive relationships follow a repeating pattern called the Cycle of Abuse. What Do I Need to Know?The Cycle of Abuse has three phases: tension building, explosion and honeymoon. Each phase might be as short as a few seconds, or as long as several years. Over time, the honeymoon phase may get smaller and shorter as the explosions become more violent and dangerous. Relationships often start in the honeymoon phase. This can make it especially confusing and scary when the explosion phase happens for the first time. What Can I Do?If your relationship looks like this, you may be in an abusive relationship. You don’t have to go through it alone, and it’s important to seek help before the abuse gets worse.
<<Domestic Violence <<Sexual
Assault <<Teen
Dating Violence <<Building
Healthy Relationships <<Children
Who Witness Domestic Violence <<Talking To Your Teen About Dating Violence <<The Cycle Of Abuse <<Types Of Abuse
Domestic violence is not just a problem for adults. Teens experience domestic violence in their relationships, too. In fact, domestic violence is very common in teen dating relationships. Here are some important facts:
What Do I Need to Know?Recognizing abuse in a relationship can be difficult, especially for teens. There are many types of abuse that teens often believe are not abusive or are normal in a relationship. Even though teen relationships may be different from adult relationships in many ways, teens do experience the same types of physical, sexual, verbal and emotional abuse that adults do. Teens also face unique obstacles if they decide to get help. Unlike many adults, teens may not have money, transportation, or safe places to go. They may have concerns about lack of confidentiality, reports to police and child protective services, and parental notification. But teens do have rights to a safe and healthy relationship. In some states, teens may apply for restraining or protective orders and get domestic violence services without the help of a parent or guardian. What Can I Do?If you or someone you know is experiencing teen dating violence, consider these steps:
<<Domestic Violence <<Sexual
Assault <<Teen
Dating Violence <<Building
Healthy Relationships <<Children
Who Witness Domestic Violence <<Talking To Your Teen About Dating Violence <<The Cycle Of Abuse <<Types Of Abuse
Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in a dating or domestic relationship. This abuse can be physical, sexual, verbal or emotional, or a combination of these. What Do I Need to Know?Physical AbusePhysical Abuse is any intentional, unwanted contact with your body by either the abuser or an object within the abuser’s control. Physical abuse does not have to leave a mark or bruise. It doesn’t even need to hurt. It includes:
Sexual AbuseSexual Abuse is any sexual behavior that is unwanted or interferes with your right to say “no” to sexual advances. It includes:
Verbal/Emotional AbuseVerbal/Emotional Abuse is anything that the abuser says or does that causes you to be afraid, lowers your self-esteem, or manipulates or controls your feelings or behavior. It includes:
What Can I Do?If you or someone you know has experienced any of these behaviors in a relationship, that relationship may be abusive. Family Resource Center provides a variety of supportive and advocacy to all ages and can help you learn about your options and resources. Our services are always free and confidential.
<<Domestic
Violence <<Sexual
Assault <<Teen
Dating Violence <<Building
Healthy Relationships <<Children
Who Witness Domestic Violence <<Talking To Your Teen About Dating Violence <<The Cycle Of Abuse <<Types Of Abuse |
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