DEFINITION: Dating violence is a pattern of behavior where one person threatens to use, or actually uses, physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse to control his or her dating partner.

WARNING SIGNS

The following are some of the most common indicators of possible dating violence:

• Checking dating partner’s cell phone or email without permission
• Constant put-downs
• Extreme jealousy or insecurity
• Explosive temper
• Isolating dating partner from family or friends
• Making false accusations
• Mood swings
• Physically harming the dating partner in any way
• Possessiveness
• Telling the dating partner what to do

REPORTING DATING VIOLENCE

Any student who is a victim, witnesses or has knowledge of a dating violence should report it to a mandated reporter: school personnel, police department, OCS, health practitioner, mental health, members of the clergy, etc.

It is strongly recommended that victims of dating violence inform their parent(s) immediately of the incident.

Reviewed 07/16/2023
Rachael Sanders, Ed. D.