April

April is Sexual Violence Awareness Month

Sexual violence is almost always perpetrated by someone the victim knows. It is important for people in dating relationships to recognize the warning signs of dating and sexual violence.

Some of the warning signs of dating and sexual violence follow:

Victims

• Sudden changes in appearance
• Avoids contact with family and friends
• Lack of interest in things that used to make them happy
• Spends all of their free time with abuser
• Cries alot; moody
• Is very stressed with physical symptoms
• Sudden changes in behavior
• Defends abuser and his/her actions

Abusers

• Sudden and drastic mood swings
• Acts extremely macho or cocky much of the time
• Jealous and Controlling
• Cruelty to animals and/or children
• History of battering
• Constantly checking on partner
• Blames others for their problems
• Won’t take responsibilty for actions

If you or someone you know is in an abusive or dangerous relationship...
CALL 1.800.897.LINK (5465) A confidential Domestic Violence Information Line

In order to get a clear picture of the problem students experience with dating and sexual violence, the Violence and Injury Prevention Program reviewed data from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey to compared dating and sexual violence.
During 2007, 12.6 percent of Utah students were hit, slapped, or physically hurt on purpose by their boyfriend or girlfriend during the 12 months before the survey.
In that same year, 11.9 percent of Utah students had been physically forced to have sexual intercourse when they did not want to.

If your teen is in a violent relationship, most likey they are NOT going to come talk
to you about it. Be the one to start the conversation.

Are you in a healthy relationship? Typically this would consist of:

• Respect: being emotionally affirming and valuing the opinions of your partner. Respecting their feelings, friends/family, activities.

• Open Communication: talking openly and honestly about your thoughts, feelings, opinions; without fear of ridicule.

• Honesty and Accountability: accepting responsibility for self and admitting when you are wrong.

• Non-Threatening Behavior: talking and acting so that your partner feels safe and comfortable.

• Trust and Support: supporting each other’s goals in life.

• Shared Responsibility: mutually agreeing on a fair distribution of work. Making decisions together.

• Economic Partnership: making money decisions together and ensuring each partners benefits from financial arrangements.

For more information visit: www.health.utah.gov/vipp