Objective:
Students will identify the warning signs of dating violence and understand how they can protect themselves

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Roughly 1.5 million high school boys and girls in the U.S. admit to being intentionally hit or physically harmed in the last year by someone they are romantically involved with.
Teens who suffer dating abuse are subject to long-term consequences like alcoholism, eating disorders, promiscuity, thoughts of suicide, and violent behavior.
33 percent of adolescents in America are victim to sexual, physical, verbal, or emotional dating abuse.
In the U.S., 25 percent of high school girls have been abused physically or sexually. Teen girls who are abused this way are 6 times more likely to become pregnant or contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Females between the ages of 16 and 24 are roughly 3 times more likely than the rest of the population to be abused by an intimate partner.
Violent behavior often begins between 6th and 12th grade. 72 percent of 13 and 14-year-olds are “dating.”
50 percent of young people who experience rape or physical or sexual abuse will attempt to commit suicide.
A mere third of the teens who were involved in an abusive relationship confided in someone about the violence.
Teens who have been abused hesitate to seek help because they do not want to expose themselves or are unaware of the laws surrounding domestic violence.

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The physical, emotional, verbal, or sexual abuse of one partner by the other in a current or former relationship

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Acts jealous or possessive
Tries to pressure the other into sexual activity
Controlling Behavior
Quick Involvement (serious or exclusive right away)
Unfair Expectations
Isolation
Blames others for problems
Overly Sensitive
Verbal Abuse
History of Battering
Threats of Violence
Force Used During Argument

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LOVE
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FEAR
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DOUBT
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EMBARRASSMENT

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Spend time with others that share your values and treat you with respect
Know your own limits with regard to sexual activity and communicate those limits to anyone you date.
Avoid drugs and alcohol. These substances can impair your ability to make sound decisions.
Understand the warning signs of abuse.
Trust your “gut”
Seek help from someone you trust.

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When one person in a dating relationship forces the other person to take part in sexual intercourse.
Can harm survivors physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Alcohol or drugs often involved
Drugs are often used to subdue the victim.
Substances like Rohypnol “roofies” are often used.
Contact doctor/hospital or police immediately.
One of the crimes least likely to be reported.
You can have had prior sexual encounters with person and still be date raped.

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Never walk home late at night by yourself
Stay in well lit areas of the campus
Learn about security procedures on campus
Participate in educational programs that are provided to prevent sex offenses
**The leading cause of arrests on most college campuses is alcohol related.

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People who have survived rape or abuse may feel angry, confused, or ashamed
Survivors may withdraw from friends and family or develop symptoms of depression or anxiety
Long term problems may include alcohol or drug abuse, eating disorders, self-injury, and suicide
Seeking professional help is the best way to work through feelings and avoid long-term health consequences
Sources of support: parents, guardians, teachers, coaches, school nurse, guidance counselors, police, crisis centers, therapists, support groups, hospital, medical centers, shelters