Relationship abuse, or dating and domestic violence/abuse, is characterized by behaviors used by a person to gain and maintain power and control over their partner. Because relationships exist on a spectrum, it can be hard to tell when a behavior crosses the line from healthy to unhealthy or even abusive. Warning signs, or red flags, can indicate that a relationship is going in the wrong direction.
Abuse can take many forms, but it is important to remember that each type of abuse is serious and no one deserves to experience abuse in any kind.
Dating & Domestic Violence Articles
When Going Along Doesn’t Mean Wanting To
Sexual coercion within intimate relationships is not always marked by physical violence, but that doesn’t make it harmless. When one partner uses pressure, manipulation, or subtle threats to obtain sexual activity the other person is not comfortable with, the experience is not fully consensual or freely chosen. Even without physical force, sexual coercion can have serious emotional and psychological impacts, including [...]
Sexual Violence: A public health crisis we must solve together.
As a community, we cannot ignore the reality that sexual violence is a major public health problem. Sexual violence affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and communities. It can take many forms, including unwanted touching, sexual harassment, rape, and other types of abuse. Public health isn’t just about hospitals or vaccines; it’s about creating the conditions where people can live safe, healthy lives, and sexual violence threatens that safety in [...]
Descarga el kit de herramientas ¡Actúa Ahora! de Stop the Hurt para el mes de Concientizacion contra la Agresion Sexual 2026
Abril es el Mes de Concientización contra la Agresión Sexual, un esfuerzo nacional para concientizar sobre los impactos de la violencia sexual y educar a las comunidades e individuos en cómo prevenirla. Aunque es importante tener estas conversaciones durante todo el año, abril nos da la oportunidad de visibilizar la violencia sexual y aprender estrategias para detener la [...]
Pressure Isn’t Love: Recognizing Coercive Control in Relationships
In preparation for writing this article, I asked a couple of people outside of this line of work to 'describe what dating violence or an abusive relationship looks like'. The answers I received are as follows: Responder #1 When I think of dating violence, I imagine a man yelling, slamming doors, and physically assaulting his female partner. [...]
AI is Risky Business for Healthy Relationships
Chances are, if you use any form of social media, the internet, or watch the news, you have heard about AI (Artificial Intelligence). While AI can be useful for researching enormous data sets or seeing patterns across previously disconnected information, even AI has limitations. With the recent boom in AI big business targeting people looking for companionship, love [...]
Online Control, Offline Harm: Recognizing Digital Abuse in Relationships
Technology can be a great way to stay connected to the world and those around us. We use it to talk, text, keep up with friends, and follow current events. When it comes to technology and our relationships, there is a line between connection and control. While people of all ages can experience relationship abuse, teens and young adults can be especially [...]
