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Dating abuse can take many forms including physical abuse, verbal/emotional abuse, financial abuse, sexual abuse, and stalking.

1 in 3 young people will experience abuse in a relationship and 1 in 4 teens in a relationship say they have been called names, harassed or put down by their boyfriend or girlfriend through cell phones and texting. Relationships should be built on a foundation of respect and should include qualities like honesty, openness, trust, support, and understanding.
Please know that you have the right
  • To feel safe
  • to be treated with respect
  • to say no to sex
  • to spend time with friends
  • to feel good about yourself

granite state respect week
Raise awareness about teen dating violence, connect teens to support services, promote healthy relationships, and foster a community of respect by bringing Granite State RESPECT Week to your school in February! 

What does an unhealthy relationship look like?

An unhealthy relationship has an imbalance in which one person tries to gain power and control over the other through threats, emotional/verbal abuse, or physical or sexual violence.  It can include:
  • Name calling, making a person feel stupid, telling them they can’t do anything right.
  • Intimidating a person through looks or actions (ex. threatening to destroy property, or displaying weapons.)
  • Making all the decisions, telling someone what to do, what to wear, who to spend time with.
  • Cutting a person off from friends and family.
  • Pressuring or forcing someone into sexual activity.
  • Shoving, grabbing, hitting, pinching, holding down, or kicking someone.
  • Being really nice sometimes and really mean at other times.
  • Excessive jealousy and possessiveness.
  • Frequently sending text messages or cell phone calls that make the other person feel uncomfortable or disrupt their life.
  • Sharing private information or making abusive comments on social media.
  • Threatening to "out" someone.
  • Preventing someone from getting a job, or taking money from them.
  • Telling someone you cannot live without them and threatening to do something drastic if the relationship ends.

Talk to someone you trust. Share with a parent, teacher, coach, or other trusted adult what is going on.  They may be able to help.  You can also talk to a friend for support.

technology safety

Technology safety plays a critical role in a victim or survivor's safety plan. Abusers may limit victims’ access to transportation, monitor phone calls and text messages, and/or engage in stalking to track the victim’s location.

How to help a friend who is being abused

The most important way to help a friend is through the messages you give them. Here are some things you can say to be supportive…
  • I BELIEVE you.
  • It’s NOT your FAULT.
  • How can I help you feel SAFE?
  • Your reactions are NORMAL reactions to a horrible experience.
  • You’re not alone; millions of people are in the same situation.
  • Help me UNDERSTAND how you feel.
Offer to go with your friend to talk with a trusted adult. An adult may be a good person to talk with to get ideas on how to keep safe and what your friend’s options are. Just be there for your friend - whenever they want to talk. And keep a non-judgmental and listening ear. Learn more about how to help a friend or family member here.

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