WHAT IS RELATIONSHIP ABUSE?

 

Dating violence or relationship abuse is a pattern of violent behavior that someone uses against a girlfriend or boyfriend.  Abuse can cause injury and even death, but it doesn't have to be physical.  It can take many forms, including threats, emotional abuse, insults, isolation from friends and family, name-calling and controlling what someone wears or with whom they socialize.  It can happen to anyone, at any age, no matter what their race, religion, sexual orientation, level of education or economic background. 

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The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that 85% of all relationship victims are female and most abusers are male.  Whether the victim is male or female, violence of any kind is unacceptable in relationships. 

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