The Victim of an Abusive Dating Relationship

Facts about abusive relationships

• Abusive relationships often involve a repeating pattern of verbal, sexual, emotional and physical abuse that increases over time.

Indicators of abusive relationships include:

• Verbal abuse
• Isolation from friends and family
• Fear of abandonment
• Fear of partner’s temper
• Fear of intimidation
• Acceptance of highly controlling behavior
• Assuming responsibility for partner’s abusive behavior
• Feeling trapped
• Fear of leaving the relationship

What You Can do:

• See the student in private
• Recognize that the student may be fearful and vulnerable.
• Remember that abusive relationships involve complex dynamics, including high levels of denial and, thus, are difficult to change.
• Be aware that interventions from a variety of sources increase the chances for change.
• Refer the student to the appropriate members of the community.
• Encourage the student to connect with family and friends.

Don’t:

• Downplay the situation.
• Lecture the student about poor judgment.
• Expect the student to make quick or make any changes.
• Pressure the student to follow any particular course of action.

Guide Table of Content

• Typical Concerns for UR Students
• What You Should Know About Student Problems
• Symptoms of Distressed or Distressing Students
• Responding to Distressed or Distressing Students
• Making a Referral to the UR Counseling Center
• Responding to Student Emergencies
• The UR Counseling Center
• Information About Confidentiality
• Mandated Risk Assessment
• Other Campus Referral Sources
• Academic Faculty: Classroom Climate and Prevention
• Responding After a Tragedy: An In-The-Classroom Guide

Addendum

• The Grieving Student
• The Anxious/Shy Student
• The Student Who May Have an Eating Disorder
• The Demanding Student
• The Dependent/Passive Student
• The Depressed Student
• The Student in Poor Contact with Reality
• The Student Suspected of Substance Abuse or Addiction
• The Victim of Stalking
• The Victim of an Abusive Dating Relationship
• The Victim of a Hate Incident
• The Victim of Hazing
• The Student Who Has Been Sexually Harassed (Assaulted)
• The Suicidal Student
• The Suspicious Student
• The Verbally Aggressive Student
• The Violent Student
• The Absent/Disappeared From Class Student
• Responding to Students with Transition Issues
• Responding to the Student with Choice of Major or Career Concerns