violence PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION PROGRAM (VPIP) TECHNIQUES TO PREVENT DATING VIOLENCE

1. violence PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION PROGRAM (VPIP) TECHNIQUES TO PREVENT DATING VIOLENCE Indicators of Perpetrators and Victims of Dating Violence Specific Actions to Take to Avoid Dating Violence Things to do When Breaking Up: A primary Time of Risk

2. Indicators of Perpetrators and Victims of Dating Violence Young men who become abusive in a dating relationship have several characteristics in common. The following risk factors make it more likely that they will carry out physical, sexual, or emotional dating violence: History of committing dating violence Witnessing violence between parents Problems managing stress or strong negative emotions such as anger or anxiety Believing it’s acceptable to resort to violence to solve problems Parents’ use of harsh discipline Young women who become victims of abuse share several common factors. The following factors increase the risk of being abused: Violent dating history Witness to violence between parents Low self-esteem and feelings of hopelessness Engaging in risky sexual behavior including multiple sex partners.

3. Specific Actions to Take to Avoid Dating Violence 1. Avoid guys who drink or who are into drugs. Alcohol and drugs can affect any person’s disposition, making him more irritable and more prone to inflicting harm on other people. *Keep in mind that a high prevalence of dating violence incidents are alcohol related. 2. Avoid guys who demonstrate signs of jealousy, particularly when this is very early in the relationship. 3. If you have friends of the opposite sex, you might want to set some ground rules with first and make sure he understands and accepts your friends as well. 4. Take any opportunity to see how he interacts with his friends and/or meet his family. Sometimes this can give you clues as to his true demeanor. 5. Before going on a date alone, go out with him and a group of your friends. 6. Take stock of his mental health. Does he seem to have anger problems? Is he prone to mood swings, depression, or other characteristics? 7. Above all, remember that you should learn about your date carefully before you hang out with him.

4. Things to do When Breaking Up: A Primary Time of Risk Breaking up is hard to do… Breaking up can be dangerous to do… If you are thinking of ending your relationship, consider these safety tips: 1. If you don’t feel safe, don’t break up in person. It may seem cruel to break up over the phone or by email, but this can provide you distance needed to stay safe. 2. If you decided to break up in person, consider doing it in a public place. Have friends wait for you nearby. Take a cell phone with you. 3. Don’t try to explain your reasons for ending the relationship more than once. There is nothing you can say that will make your ex happy about the break up. 4.Let your friends and parents know you are ending your relationship, especially if you think your ex will come to your house or try to get you alone. 5. If your ex tries to come to your house when you’re alone, don’t go to the door. 6. Adjust your class schedule or make changes to your routine. 7.Avoid isolated areas at school and local hangouts, and don’t walk home alone. 8.Stick with a friends at parties or events you think your ex might attend. 9.Save any threatening or harassing emails or text messagesyou ex might send. Set your profile to private on any social networking sites you use and ask your friends to do the same. 10.If you ever feel you’re in immediate danger, call 911.