When does caring become controlling? When does affection become obsession? When does talking become stalking?

If you feel like you or someone you know might be in an abusive relationship, there are people you can talk to and resources that can help! 

   

 
RECOGNIZING ABUSE? 

Not sure if a situation is abusive or not? Ask yourself if your boyfriend or girlfriend...

  • Is overly jealous or possessive?
  • Puts you down or criticizes you? 
  • Threatens or scares you?
  • Hits, slaps, pushes or kicks you?
  • Controls where you go, what you want or what you do?
  • Blames you for hurtful things they do? 
  • Calls, texts and tries contacting you excessively?  
  • Tries to stop you from seeing or talking to friends or family? 
  • Tries to force you to have sex? 
 

What you can do if...

 

If you are being abused

  • Call the police if you are in danger and seek medical attention if you are hurt.
  • You are not alone and the abuse is not your fault.
  • Talk with somebody you trust: a friend or relative, someone from school or in your community. 
  • Think independently. Remember that you are the expert on your own life, don't let anyone talk you into doing something that is not right for you. 
  • Have a safety plan  
 
 

If you think a friend is being abusive

  • If you feel safe doing so, encourage your friend to talk to a counselor or an adult they trust for help.
  • Encourage them to be honest.
  • Understand that abuse is a choice and don't get stuck in the middle. 
  • Don't encourage or talk about abuse.

WHAT IS DATING VIOLENCE?

Dating violence is a pattern of assaultive and controlling behaviors that one person uses against another to gain or maintain power in a relationship. The abuser intentionally behaves in a ways that cause fear, degradation and humiliation to control the other person. Forms of abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional and psychological. 

-Michigan Domestic Violence Prevention & Treatment Board Teen Dating Violence Website 
 

Dating violence is when one person purposely causes physical or psychological harm to another person they are dating, including sexual assault, physical abuse and psychological or emotional abuse.  

Dating violence is not a bad mood or an argument once in a while. It is a pattern of controlling and abusive person that one person uses to gain and maintain power and control in a relationship. Nobody deserves to be abused and you do not have the right to abuse anyone else.

Links for Teens

 

Break the Cycle

 

Love is Respect

 

That's Not Cool

 

National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline

National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline Website

 

1-866-331-9474

 

TTY 1-866-331-8453

 

EVE's Services are empowerment-based, confidential and FREE!

 

If you are in immediate danger or in need of emergency assistance, please call 911. If you are seeking support, please call our 24 Hour Crisis Line (517) 372-5572. All Calls are confidential.

 

Community Resources | About Domestic Violence | LGBTIQ Survivors| For Service Providers