Approximately one in five college students have reported at least one incidence of abuse in their dating relationships.
Oftentimes alcohol is involved in partner violence situations, and most often the violence occurs after the couple has become more seriously involved, rather than in the early, more casual stages of dating.
Relationship violence can exist in a dating relationship, a marriage, or even a friendship. It can occur in any type of relationship regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender. Relationship violence is a problem we can solve – educate yourself on relationship violence and reach out to someone who needs your friendship and support.
Relationship violence is not an argument, an anger management problem, or a relationship with normal “ups and downs”. It is a pattern of violent or coercive behavior involving physical, verbal, sexual, or emotional abuse.
What is Relationship Violence?Violence in a relationship can take many forms, and can vary in severity. Violence can be expressed:
Oftentimes verbal violence is ignored early in a relationship. Be aware that in most cases a person who uses verbal violence will eventually progress to the use of physical violence.
A violent relationship does not have to include physical violence; verbal or sexual violence can be as painful as physical violence. Many people who are involved in a violent relationship tend to minimize the violence, or fail to recognize what is happening in the relationship. It is important to recognize early indicators of violence in a relationship and seek assistance.
There is often a predictable “cycle of violence” in abusive relationships. Not all relationships follow this pattern, but many do. The cycle is one of increasing escalation – with episodes of violence becoming more severe and happening more frequently.
When there is violence in a relationship people often ask, why do people allow it to happen, why do they stay? There are many different reasons for remaining in a violent relationship, and individuals often need a great deal of support to leave an abusive relationship.
