Violence in dating relationships
Violence in dating relationships is all too common. It is a result of one partner trying to maintain power and control over the other through abusive means.
This abuse crosses all racial, economic and social lines. It is common in both heterosexual and same-sex dating relationships. Young women are most often the victims of dating abuse, however, violence can be part of relationships at any age.
and Sexual Assault Line
#250-438 Victoria Avenue East, Regina, Saskatchewan, 522-2777
What is dating violence?
Dating violence can include physical, psychological, and sexual abuse.
More information on types of abuse
More information on dating abuse
Early warning signs:
Knowing the early warning signs of an abusive relationship can help you to choose better relationships. You have choices. You are valuable. You deserve to be treated with respect.
Some early warning signs may include:
low self-esteem or self-image
mood swings
short tempered or explosive anger
hypersensitive
verbally abusive
uses force during arguments
alcohol and drug use or abuse
blames others for his/her problems or feelings
extreme jealousy
extreme possessiveness
believes in rigid sex roles - (men are dominant; women are submissive)
makes all the decisions
controlling behaviour
pushes for quick involvement
controls the other person's contact with others
isolated from others
makes accusations of dishonesty, cheating
cruel to animals, children
constantly checks up on the other person
stalks the other person (follow and watch)
abused former partners
may have come from an abusive family
Signs that someone may be experiencing abuse
changes in mood or personality
low self-esteem
depression
nervousness
emotional outbursts -anger, sadness
sleep disturbances
inability to concentrate
poor memory
unexplained physical symptoms
sexually transmitted infections
unexplained cuts, bruises, scrapes burns or bite marks
disordered eating - loss of appetite, increased appetite
withdrawal from participating in activities
isolate themselves from others
truancy, dropping out of school, poor work attendance
failing grades, poor work performance
Help
Many form of dating abuse are criminal acts (ie. threats, assaults, sexual assaults and stalking). If you need assistance, legal or otherwise, there are may place that you can turn to for support. Support is available whether or not there is criminal behaviour. You might contact:
POLICE: 777-6500
MOBILE CRISIS SERVICES: 757-0127
24 HOUR SEXUAL ASSAULT CRISIS LINE: 352-0434
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAM (FAMILY SERVICE REGINA): 757-6675
KID'S HELP PHONE: 1-800-668-6868
RAINBOW YOUTH: 757-9743
TRANSITION HOUSE: 569-2292
ISABEL JOHNSON SHELTER (YWCA): 525-2141
SOPHIA HOUSE (2ND STAGE HOUSING): 565-2537
WISH HOUSE: 543-0493