Respect Meter

How do you know if you are in a hurtful relationship? The best way to tell whether someone may be abusing you is to look at the way you are treated. Think of your relationship and ask yourself the following questions.

~ Does my date ever threaten to hurt me?

~ Does my date call me names or insult me?

~Does my date become jealous if I talk to or go places with other people?

~ Does my date make me tell where I am at all times?

~Does my date blame alcohol or drugs as the reason for becoming angry and losing control?

~Does my date ever touch me without my permission or force me to have sex against my will?

~Does my date threaten to commit suicide if I try to leave the relationship?

~Am I afraid to disagree with my date?

~When I spend time with other people does my date become angry and accuse me of cheating?

~Do I avoid seeing friends or doing things because I'm afraid my date will get angry?

If you answered yes to any of these questions you are involved with a potential batterer. Even though most people think that violence in relationships happens only between married persons, the same kind of violence also happens between people who are dating regardless of their sexual orientation.

Even if you are not being hurt physically, verbal and emotional abuse are just as painful and often lead to physical violence.

Dating someone is never worth being hurt or feeling afraid.