Be in the Know
*These are just some signs and examples.
Dating Abuse Awareness & Support
Abuse often starts with love bombing, attention, and charm, then becomes manipulative and controlling. The cycle of abuse includes tension, incident, reconciliation, and calm, which makes it confusing for survivors to leave. It’s NOT just PHYSICAL.
Text or Call: 904-383-7158 (Hopefull Handbags Global)
National DV Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) • Text “START” to 88788
Important to Know: Abuse can happen to anyone. Dating abuse is especially common in college and high school relationships.
Controlling and Isolation
- Dictating who you hang out with; separating you from family and friends.
- Dictating what you wear and where you go.
- Making you feel guilty for having time away from them.
In dating: A partner may demand constant updates, insist on passwords, or say “I just want to protect you” while actually restricting freedom.
Psychological Abuse
- Gaslighting: making someone question their memory, feelings, or reality.
- Blaming or rewriting history; acting as if the person is “crazy.”
- Using health or mental illness to control.
In dating: They may hide things and deny they exist, claim “you’re overreacting,” or tell others that you’re unstable, causing confusion, fear, and isolation.
Stalking
- Following, watching, or showing up uninvited.
- Excessive calls, texts, DMs—even after being asked to stop.
- Monitoring location or spying.
In dating: This often begins after a breakup or fight. They may say “I just want to make sure you’re safe,” while violating boundaries and privacy.
Verbal and Emotional Abuse
- Yelling, insults, name-calling, humiliation in private or public.
- Blaming the victim for everything.
- Threats disguised as jokes.
In dating: Phrases like “You’re so dumb,” “No one else would want you,” or shouting during arguments are red flags, even if followed by apologies or gifts.
Sexual Abuse
Always about consent. If it’s forced, coerced, or unwanted, it’s abuse. Includes verbal pressure, guilt-tripping, or unsafe sexual acts.
In dating: A partner might say, “If you loved me, you would…” or ignore boundaries after someone says no. Consent must be ongoing and mutual.
Physical Abuse
Hitting, slapping, punching, kicking, choking, pushing, or restraining. Using physical intimidation or threats of harm to control. Destroying personal belongings or harming pets.
In dating: It may start with “playful” slaps, squeezing too hard, or physical intimidation during arguments. Over time, it escalates.
Financial Abuse
Money as a control tool. Restricting access to accounts or not “allowing” the partner to work. Stealing money, sabotaging employment, or building debt in the partner’s name.
In dating: A partner may ask for money and never pay it back, force financial dependence, or manipulate with phrases like, “You owe me, I’ve done everything for you.”
Any of these are signs. If something feels off, trust your gut and reach out for help.
Any of these are signs. If something feels off, trust your gut and reach out for help.