Break the Cycle conducted a poll on college dating violence and abuse which revealed “43% of dating college women report experiencing some violent and abusive dating behaviors.” Most of these women, according to loveisrespect, are not equipped to deal with dating abuse as it is difficult to identify.

Although love is exciting and vulnerable, it shouldn’t be threatening and difficult. Relationships, though, should be built on communication, trust and boundaries. While there is no step-by-step guide to building a healthy relationship, there are signs of dating violence that should not be overlooked. Consequently, communities have the power to help prevent dating violence.

Warning Signs of Dating Violence

The target in a relationship consisting of dating violence may experience:

– Intense jealousy or possessiveness
– Consistent mood and/or character changes
– Pressure to act on sexual favors
– Inflicting pain caused by their partner
– Isolation from loved ones
– Constantly apologizes for partner’s behavior

The perpetrator in a relationship consisting of dating violence may:

– Act on violent tendencies when angry
– Exerts and boasts about control over their partner
– Normalizes violent behavior
– Demonstrates violence towards pets and/or inanimate objects
– Acts on the thought of “getting even”
– Dismissive and demeaning towards partner

The behaviors listed above is not an exhaustive list of warning signs. These behaviors are often difficult to notice, educating a community on healthy relationships skills are crucial to noticing these signs early on.

Resources to Preventing Intimate Partner Violence

Preventing Intimate Partner Violence Across the Lifespan
Stop Sexual Violence: A Technical Package
Become a Pactivist Peer at the University of Nevada, Reno

Nevada ASUN and Nevada Cares hope to foster a safe environment for survivors of gender-based violence. Although it is not an exhaustive list, both of the organizations compiled a list of local and national resources to further assist survivors through recovery.

Local Resources:

Northern Nevada –
Crisis Support Services of Nevada: 775-784-8090 (Hotline)
Awaken
Safe Embrace: 775-322-3466 (Hotline)
Tu Casa Latina

Las Vegas –

SafeNest
The Shade Tree of Las Vegas
S.A.F.E. House
Interfaith Hospitality Network: 702-638-8806 (Hotline)

National Resources:

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
The National Network to Eliminate Domestic Violence
RAINN: Rape Abuse Incest National Network
Stalking Resource Center