Dating Violence
What do we mean by “dating violence?” It’s about more than physical harm. Dating violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors – some physical, some emotional -- that one person uses to control another in a relationship. All the red flags referenced on our site are considered abusive behaviors and should be taken seriously.
Red Flags
Red Flags is a project of the Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV) especially designed to help young adults form healthy relationships by learning to spot and deal with the warning signs of dating violence. TCFV also runs the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline. For more information on TCFV, please visit www.tcfv.org or learn more about Red Flags on our MySpace profile.
Things like controlling behavior, jealousy and insults almost always get worse rather than better over time, and can lead to physical violence. Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and equal in their relationships.
The Stats
Our statewide surveys of
16 to 24-year-old Texans show:
- 75 percent either have personally experienced dating violence or know someone who has.
- 50 percent have personally experienced dating violence.
Dating violence affects everyone:
- 60 percent of females have personally experienced dating violence, either as victims or abusers.
- 49 percent have experienced verbal abuse.
- 33 percent have experienced physical violence.
- 33 percent have experienced sexual violence.
- 40 percent of males have personally experienced dating violence, either as victims or abusers.
- 33 percent have experienced verbal abuse.
- 22 percent have experienced physical violence.
- 6 percent have experienced sexual violence.
To download the executive summary click here.
KnowTheRedFlags.com was developed with funding provided
by the Office of the Texas Attorney General.
