What Is Dating Violence?

Dating Violence is the physical, sexual, emotional, and/or verbal abuse of one partner by the other partner in a current or former dating relationship. Abusive behavior is any act carried out by one partner aimed at hurting or controlling the other. Dating violence happens in male/female relationships as well as in lesbian and gay relationships.

A violent relationship means more than being hit by the person who claims to love or care about you. Violence is about power and control. When someone uses abuse and violence against you, it is always part of a larger pattern to try and control you.

Regardless of the abuser's age, it is against the law for anyone to:

~ Hurt you

~ Try to hurt you

~ Force you to have sex

~ Threaten you with weapons

~ Harass you on the telephone or though the mail

~ Stalk you

~Destroy things that belong to you.

Know the signs of dating violence and take action!

For more information contact the statewide domestic violence prevention office:

West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence

4710 Chimney Drive, Suite A Charleston, WV 25302 304-965-3552