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What’s
Abuse? Abuse comes in many form including Emotional, Sexual, Physical
and spiritual abuse.
Dating
Violence – Safety tips
- Trust
your instincts
- Have a
safety plan-have extra money available in case you need a cab, know the
way home
- Meet in
public places for the first few dates
- Tell
someone where you are going
- Leave if
you feel uncomfortable
- Know the
address of where you are incase you need to get out by cab
- Pay your
own way – avoid obligation/guilt to have to repay
- Get to
know your date
- Keep in
touch with your friends and family
What to
remember to do
- Recognize
that no one has a right to control another person
- Put blame
where is belongs, on the abuser
- Tell
someone trustworthy about your situation and the violence – you are not
alone
- Consider
report a date rape or physical assault to the police.
- Seek
support
- Remember,
drinking of alcohol and use of drugs does not give a person the right to
take advantage of you.
- Abuse can
happen to anyone-no one is immune.
- Be
assertive with your friends, not let them pressure you into doing
something you feel is not right.
What can
I do to help a friend?
- Believe
that the abuse has occurred, often it is worse than they will tell you.
- Reassure
them that they are not to blame for the abuse, no matter what the
circumstances.
- Tell your
friend that she is not alone. Encourage her to talk about the situation,
or encourage her to talk to someone who can support her through this
difficult time.
Partner
Abuse
Often abuse
occurs in a repeated cycle or pattern. Survivors of abuse often experience
fear, shame, isolation, low self esteem and confusion. Abuse is the misuse
of power and control. It can be one person hurting, degrading or
controlling another person in any area of life. This may include friends,
boyfriends, family members, teachers or neighbours. |
