DATE VIOLENCE

According to Statistics Canada, dating violence is on the rise, with victim numbers doubling between 2004 and 2010, surpassing that of spousal violence. Similar to spousal violence, much of the abuse in dating scenarios happens after the relationship is over — RCMP stats show almost sixty per cent of all dating violence happens after the woman has broken off the relationship. Most studies of self-reported dating violence indicate that young people between the ages of 15–24 have the highest risk of dating violence. Young women between the ages of 15 and 19 experience ten times more violence in relationships then young men. In the U.S. one in three girls is a victim of physical, emotional, or verbal abuse from someone they’re dating.

If you are a young person in an abusive dating relationship, please confide in someone you trust, like a friend, parent, a guidance counsellor, or a teacher. You can also seek support by calling or contacting the Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868), a free and confidential resource for youth. If you are in immediate danger or if you want to end the relationship but fear for your safety, call 9-1-1 or your local police department at once.

Likewise, tell someone you trust if you know or suspect someone is the victim of dating violence. Encourage the person to get help and let them know you support them. Call 9-1-1 or the local police department if they are in immediate danger or if you believe their life may be on the line. Never confront an abuser or do anything that puts you in danger or feels unsafe.

According to the RCMP page on dating violence a relationship may be abusive if one partner:

•Has unexplained bruises or questionable explanations for injuries;

•Engages in risk-taking behaviors (doing drugs/drinking alcohol, etc.)

•Withdraws from their friends and family;

•Experiences a drop in school performance;

•Acts differently when their partner is around (e.g. not speaking up);

•Seems to be controlled by their partner and is unable to make decisions by themselves;

•Is humiliated or criticized by their partner in front of others;

•Tries to change the subject if they are questioned about their partner’s behavior;

•Receives constant text messages from their partner demanding to know where they are and who they are with;

•Is forced to give their partner the passwords to their social networking accounts.