How to Prevent Dating Violence

Dating violence can be verbal or physical abuse that presents so gradually that someone may not notice what is happening until much too late. Dating violence can be extremely subtle or very obvious. By making yourself aware of your own behavior and the behavior of others, you can help to prevent dating violence.

• Talk to your family and friends about what constitutes abuse. If someone cannot recognize what abuse is, she is much more likely to tolerate that sort of behavior from a date.


• Be conscious of your own behavior while dating. Do not engage in activities that may be harmful or hurtful to those around you.


• Confront someone immediately if she begins to exhibit verbal or physical behaviors that can lead to dating violence. Often a person can become prone to violent behavior slowly, and may not recognize it in her own behavior. Calmly and quickly let someone know if she has crossed a line.


• Talk to your friend immediately if you see he is involved in a situation that could potentially become violent. Sometimes people want to make excuses for someone that they care about, and your friend may not recognize yet that he is involved with someone who is escalating her behavior.


• Call a support line if the behavior continues to escalate. Support lines can put you in touch with local sources for assistance and can recommend plans of action. These types of hotlines can provide anonymous assistance if you are concerned about your own safety when reporting a situation.