We Love Love…
Healthy Love!
Respect is love! Spread the word!
February is not only the month of love - it is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and we are spreading the word, respect is love!
All month, we are celebrating healthy love, recognizing red flags, and sharing stories that inspire.
Do you have an inspirational love story? Will you share it with us?
KNOW
THE
SIGNS
Dating & Domestic Violence Red Flags
Control and Isolation
Examples: Monitoring social media, demanding passwords, dictating what their partner wears, or isolating them from friends and family.
Impact on Victim: The victim may feel trapped, alone, and dependent on the abuser. Isolation may prevent seeking help or support from others.
Excessive Jealousy or Possessive
Examples: Constant accusations of cheating, demanding to know their whereabouts at all times, or becoming angry when their partner spends time with others.
Impact on Victim: The victim may feel suffocated, guilty for innocent actions, or like they’re walking on eggshells to avoid conflict.
Verbal and Emotional Abuse
Examples: Frequent put-downs, name-calling, gaslighting, or making the victim feel guilty for expressing their feelings.
Impact on Victim: The victim may feel worthless, confused, and doubt their perception of reality, leading to low self-esteem and self-blame.
Unpredictable Temper or Explosive Anger
Examples: Breaking objects, yelling, threatening violence, or acting intimidating when upset.
Impact on Victim: The victim may feel fearful, constantly anxious, and like they must alter their behavior to avoid triggering the abuser.
Physical or Sexual Violence
Examples: Hitting, slapping, choking, forced sexual activity, or using physical force to control or intimidate.
Impact on Victim: The victim may feel physically unsafe, violated, and powerless, often living in constant fear of further harm.
Financial Control
Examples: Controlling all finances, withholding money, or preventing the victim from working or accessing resources.
Impact on Victim: The victim may feel dependent on the abuser, unable to escape the relationship due to lack of financial independence.
Stalking or Constant Monitoring
Examples: Following the victim, tracking their location via phone apps, or showing up uninvited to their workplace or home.
Impact on Victim: The victim may feel constantly watched, paranoid, and like they have no privacy or freedom.
Threats and Intimidation
Examples: Threatening to harm the victim, themselves, or loved ones if the victim doesn’t comply with their demands.
Impact on Victim: The victim may feel trapped, terrified to leave, and powerless to protect themselves or others.
Manipulation and Guilt-Tripping
Examples: Using emotional blackmail, guilt, or manipulation to control the victim's decisions and actions.
Impact on Victim: The victim may feel obligated to stay in the relationship, even when it’s harmful, because of fear or guilt.
Rapid Progression of the Relationship
Examples: Rushing into commitment, declaring intense feelings early on, or pushing for marriage or cohabitation too quickly.
Impact on Victim: The victim may feel overwhelmed, pressured, or uncertain, and the rapid pace can make it harder to spot other red flags.
Why do red flags matter?
Each of these behaviors chips away at a victim's autonomy, self-esteem, and sense of safety. Victims often feel trapped, isolated, and unsure of how to seek help. Recognizing these signs early can be crucial in preventing further harm and connecting victims to the support they need.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these warning signs, reach out to us for help and support.
Signs of a Healthy Relationship
Mutual Respect
Examples: Supporting each other’s goals, valuing opinions, and treating each other with kindness and understanding even during disagreements.
Impact on Feelings: The person feels valued, respected, and safe to be themselves without fear of judgment or ridicule.
Trust
Examples: Sharing personal thoughts without fear of betrayal, respecting boundaries, and following through on commitments.
Impact on Feelings: The person feels secure, confident, and comfortable being vulnerable with their partner.
Healthy Communication
Examples: Discussing feelings openly, resolving conflicts without yelling or blame, and actively listening to each other.
Impact on Feelings: The person feels heard, understood, and confident that their voice matters in the relationship
Equality and Partnership
Examples: Sharing responsibilities, making decisions together, and taking turns supporting each other’s needs.
Impact on Feelings: The person feels empowered, respected, and confident in the balance of the relationship.
Independence
Examples: Both partners maintain hobbies, friendships, and interests outside the relationship without jealousy or control.
Impact on Feelings: The person feels free to grow individually and values the space to pursue their passions.
Boundaries
Examples: Respecting when a partner needs space, understanding limits on physical or emotional closeness, and avoiding pressure.
Impact on Feelings: The person feels comfortable, respected, and in control of their personal choices.
Support and Encouragement
Examples: Celebrating each other’s successes, offering a listening ear during tough times, and motivating each other to grow.
Impact on Feelings: The person feels uplifted, appreciated, and confident that their partner wants the best for them.
Emotional and Physical Safety
Examples: Feeling free to express emotions without fear of judgment, and being physically affectionate only when both partners are comfortable.
Impact on Feelings: The person feels safe, cherished, and confident in their relationship’s foundation.
Shared Values
Examples: Aligning on goals like family, career, or lifestyle, while respecting differences in other areas.
Impact on Feelings: The person feels connected, understood, and unified with their partner on important matters.
Healthy Conflict Resolution
Examples: Apologizing when wrong, compromising on disagreements, and avoiding blame or defensiveness.
Impact on Feelings: The person feels reassured that disagreements can be resolved constructively and without harm to the relationship.
Why these signs matter?
Healthy relationships create an environment where both partners feel secure, supported, and empowered to thrive as individuals and as a couple. Recognizing and fostering these traits can lead to lasting, fulfilling connections.
If you’re striving to build or sustain a healthy relationship, remember that communication, respect, and care are key building blocks.