Dating Abuse: Not Me

Don’t Wait: The Odds Aren't Good
U can choose better relationships when u can see and believe early warning signs of an abusive relationship. Believe u are valuable enough to have people treat u with respect.

Teen Dating Bill of Rights
I have the right:

	To always be treated with respect – In a respectful relationship, you should be treated as an equal.
	To be in a healthy relationship – A healthy relationship is not controlling, manipulative, or jealous. A healthy relationship involves honesty, trust, and communication.
	To not be hurt physically or emotionally – You should feel safe in your relationship at all times.
	Abuse is never deserved and is never your fault – Conflicts should be resolved in a peaceful and rational way.
	To refuse sex or affection at anytime – A healthy relationship involves making consensual sexual decisions.
	You have the right to not have sex – Even if you have had sex before, you have the right to refuse sex for any reason.
	To have friends and activities apart from my boyfriend or girlfriend – Spending time by yourself, with male or female friends, or with family is normal and healthy.
	To end a relationship – You should not be harassed, threatened, or made to feel guilty for ending an unhealthy or healthy relationship. You have the right to end a relationship for any reason you choose.

I pledge to:

	Always treat my boyfriend or girlfriend with respect.
	Never hurt my boyfriend or girlfriend physically, verbally, or emotionally.
	Respect my girlfriend’s or boyfriend’s decisions concerning sex and affection.
	Not be controlling or manipulative in my relationship.
	Accept responsibility for myself and my actions.

(The Dating Bill of Rights is from www.loveisrespect.org)

		Consider double-dating the first few times you go out with a new person.
		Before leaving on a date, know the exact plans for the evening and make sure a friend knows these plans and what time you will home. Let your date know that you have told people your plans.
		Be aware of your decreased ability to react under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
		If you leave a party with someone you do not know well, make sure you tell another person you are leaving and with whom. Ask a friend to call and make sure you arrived home safely.
		Assert yourself when necessary. Be firm and straightforward in your relationships.
		Trust your instincts. If a situation makes you uncomfortable, try to be calm and think of a way to remove yourself from the situation.
		(From the Domestic Violence Advocacy Program of Family Resources, Inc.)