Domestic Violence Awareness

By Lauren Caniff

Domestic violence is any behavior that is hurtful in a relationship and is a misuse of control and power by one person in a relationship to another. This can be name calling, hitting, pushing, shoving, unwanted sexual activity, manipulation, threatening, and overly criticizing.

Women aged 16-24 experience highest rate of IPV
Between 20-47% of men and women are victims of dating violence in college
Up to 90% of college students report psychological violence
Nearly 1/3 of college students report assaulting a partner

Early warning signs that your date may eventually become abusive:

Extreme jealousy
Controlling behavior
Quick involvement
Unpredictable mood swings
Alcohol and drug use
Explosive anger
Isolates you from friends and family
Uses force during an argument
Shows hypersensitivity
Believes in rigid sex roles
Blames others for his problems or feelings
Cruel to children or animals
Verbally abusive
Abused former partners
Threatens violence

How to Start a Conversation With a Victim

Tell her/him that you are worried.
Listen without judgment.
Believe without questioning.
Tell her/him that she/he deserves to be treated better.
Encourage friends to meet with a therapist at Counseling Services 785-532-6927