NCJ Number
188433
Date Published
2000
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This handbook provides guidance to teens on how to recognize the warning signs of potential abuse in dating relationships, how to talk about it, and where to go for help.
Abstract
The handbook features a story of Angela and Joe, a fictional teenage couple in a violent relationship, and their interactions with friends who care about them. The intent of the handbook is to help raise community awareness about dating violence and foster an intolerance of such abuse. The story of Angela and Joe portrays Joe's possessive, controlling, and critical behavior. The handbook warns that such behavior may be misconstrued by the dating partner as caring and concern, but in fact these are signs of an unhealthy relationship that may escalate into violence when the partner does not comply with the wishes of the abuser. The handbook advises that although dating abuse can cause injury and even death, it is not only physical. It can include verbal and emotional abuse through constant insults, isolation from friends and family, name calling, and controlling what someone wears. It can also include sexual abuse. The handbook lists 10 warning signs of an abusive relationship and considers why a victim of dating abuse does not leave the relationship. The psychological and attitudinal characteristics of the abuser are also discussed. Peer assistance in the context of an abusive relationship is portrayed, along with the kind of support needed for victims when the abusive relationship ends. Advice on where to go for professional help is offered as well.