Dating Violence

Teen dating violence is defined as a pattern of coercive behavior within a dating relationship where one partner exerts power and control over the other partner through the intentional use of physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse that can be harmful, threatening, and intimidating. This type of abuse can range from subtle to extreme. Indicators that someone is a perpetrator of dating violence include but are not limited to the abuse of others, acts of jealousy and possessiveness, seriousness about the relationship too quickly, tends to be critical and insulting, controls the attire of the partner, blames his/her behavior on the partner, excessive contact with the partner, isolates the partner, make decisions for the partner, offer gifts after arguments, pressures partner into sexual activity, threatens to hurt or kill himself/herself if relationship ends. Warning signs that someone is a victim of dating violence include but are not limited to apologies for the partner’s behavior, avoidance of adults, friends, and family, fear of partner, worries about how the partner will react, changes in appearance, academic decline, quits involvement in activities, sudden mood changes, unexplained bruises, scratches, or injuries, struggles to make decisions.

Report dating violence to school personnel immediately. If the dating violence is occurring on campus, all applicable discipline policies will be followed. Parents/legal guardians will be contacted. The number for the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). The Louisiana Hotline is 1-888-411-1333. For immediate danger, call 911.