• He insists on a quick involvement
• He exhibits controlling
behavior
• He blames others for his problems or feelings
• He
is extreme jealous
• He doesn't like it when you spend time with
friends
• He is hypersensitive
• He is verbally abusive
• He has an explosive temper
• He uses force during an
argument
• He threatens violence
• He has abused former girlfriend(s)
It is hard to admit to being a victim of abuse. You may be embarrassed or scared. It is easy to deny that abuse is happening; it is hard to take as stand and put an end to the abuse.
I challenge you to have respect for yourself and seek help. Find someone who is on your side:
• The National Domestic Violence Hotline -- 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). This is a toll free hotline that is completely confidential and is available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. For more information, check out the website: www.ndvh.org/index.html
• Contact the State Coalition Office nearest you. To find your state office, check out The Office on Violence Against Women webpage: www.ojp.usdoj.gov/vawo/state.htm . Your State Coalition Office will be able to direct you to a crisis center in your city/county.
If you have been physically or sexually abused, seriously threatened, or had property destroyed, please CALL THE POLICE and report it.
• Contact the University Police--dial campus information for the number.
• Call the city police. For a listing of police stations nationwide, check out : www.usacops.com
You have a legal right to be safe from abuse, and anyone who crosses the line and hurts or threatens you can be prosecuted. You have an option to pursue a civil suit or file criminal charges based on the situation.
• The Women's Law Initiative's mission is to provide easy-to-understand legal information and resources to women living with or escaping dating and domestic violence. Check out their website: www.womenslaw.org
• The Violence Against Women Office, which specializes in legal and policy issues regarding violence against women: www.ojp.usdoj.gov/vawo
• Love Doesn't Have to Hurt American Psychological Association website on teen dating violence www.apa.org/pi/pii/teen/contents.htm
• The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention fact sheet provides information about factors that put victims and offenders at risk for violence : www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/datviol.htm