In a Healthy Relationship, You have the Right to:
- Be treated with respect and as an equal
- Express your opinions and feelings
- Not be hurt physically or emotionally
- Have friends and activities outside of the relationship
- To refuse sex or any degree of intimacy at any time
- To end a relationship
Tips for Starting a Healthy Relationship:
- Get to know the person better before starting to date
- Try some group activities before going out alone with the other person
- Explore each other’s interests
- Build a foundation of respect and appreciation
- Be clear with him/her about what you feel comfortable doing
- Encourage the other person to be honest with you
- Let him/her know what time your parents expect you to be home
- Stay safe, let your friends/parents know where you are going and who you are going with
The Importance of Open Communication:
Open communication is the key to a hea
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Teen Dating Violence Prevention PSA (English) Teen Dating Violence Prevention PSA (Cantonese) Teen Dating Violence Prevention PSA (Mandarin) Teen Dating Violence Prevention PSA (Vietnamese) Teen Dating Violence Prevention PSA (Tagalog) Teen Dating Violence Prevention PSA (Korean)
Is someone you know a victim of dating violence? Are you in an abusive relationship? What can you do to help yourself or your friends? What are your rights in a relationship? Let’s find out.
What is Dating Violence?
Dating violence is a set of abusive behavior that a person shows towards another in a relationship. Violence does not have to be physical; it can be in the form of verbal, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse. Dating violence can happen to people of any race, culture, age, and religious background. It occurs in homosexual as well as heterosexual relationships.
Quick statistics:
Dating violence may be more prevalent than you think:
- 1 in 3 teenagers reported knowing a friend who has been hit by their partner. (2005)
- 62% teenagers said they know friends who have been verbally abused by a boyfriend/girlfriend. (2008)
- 26% girls in a relationship reported experiencing repeated verbal abuse. (2008)
- Nearly 1 in 5 teenage girls who have
Understanding the Difference between Dating and Sex:
Dating is a time when two people get to know each other better. Too often teens think it is a hall pass to the other person’s body. Your date may say things like, “If you don’t want to have sex, why are we dating?” or “If you truly love me, you shouldn’t say no.” Remember, in any relationship, you have the right to voice your opinion. It is important for you to assert yourself and not give in to things you do not want to do. Be prepared to give answers like, “We’re dating because I love you and I want to spend time with you. If you want to have sex, then you are dating the wrong person.”
Saying “No”:
In a healthy relationship, couples respect each other’s right to say no. And the best way to say no to sex or affection is by saying “No.” Anything else could be taken the wrong way or could give the other person “reasons” to persuade you. Don’t be afraid to express your opinions and feelings. Any strong, loving relationship is built on the basis of mutual respect. If you feel force