Dating violence is domestic violence, and it is not a new phenomenon.
It can happen to anyone, teens or grownups, girls or boys, women or men,
and it has serious consequences.
It is a crime, and there are laws to protect victims.24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-494-8100
If you are being hurt or threatened now, call 911 immediately.
Stop Domestic Violence.info
National Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Rhode Island Resources:
Sojourner House: 401-861-6191
24 Hour Helplines: 401-658-4334 401-765-3232 401-647-1514RI Sexual Assault & Trauma Resource Center: 401-421-4100
> info@satrc.org
> Online Contact FormRI Coalition Against Domestic Violence: 401-467-9940
> ricadv@ricadv.org
How do you know when someone might be in an abusive relationship, especially if she — or he! — says the relationship is okay? Most of the time, violence happens when the couple is alone. You might not see physical signs of abuse, like bruises or red marks. It's hard to know how to recognize someone who is in trouble, but here are some signs to look for:
- Name Calling
Does one person call the other names? Does one person use insults to put the other person down?- Extreme Jealousy
Does one person in the relationship act incredibly jealous when the other talks to other people? Does one person accuse the other of flirting even when it's an innocent converstaion?- Making Excuses
Does one person in the relationship make excuses for the other? Does one person often apologize for the other person's behavior?- Cancelling or Changing Plans
Does one person cancel plans often, and at the last minute? Do the reasons they give make sense?- Monitoring
Does one person call, page, or check up on the other constantly? Does he or she demand to know the other person's plans and whereabouts? Does he or she always need to know who the other person was with?- Uncontrolled Anger
Have you seen one person lose his or her temper? Does that person throw things, or break things, when he or she is angry? Does one person worry a lot about upsetting the other?- Isolation
Has one person in the relationship given up spending time with friends? Has she or he stopped doing activities that used to be important?- Dramatic Changes
Has the person's appearance changed? Has he or she lost weight? Have his or her grades dropped? Does the person seem to have lost interest in everything? Does the person seem depressed?- Injuries
Does the person have unexplained injuries, or does she or he give explanations that don't make sense?- Quick Progression
Did the relationship get serious very, very quickly?Think about the answers to these questions, and if you suspect that someone you know is in a violent relationship, please contact one of the agencies below for help.
Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence 24/7 Hotline:
1-800-494-8100The member agencies of the Coalition provide high-quality emergency and support services to families affected by domestic violence. Services provided include emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis intervention, support groups, children's programs, court advocacy, counseling, and prevention through education and public awareness. Member agencies include:
- Blackstone Shelter: 401-723-3057
(Blackstone Valley)- Elizabeth Buffum Chace House: 401-738-1700 (24-hour hotline)
(Kent county, Cranston, Johnston, North Providence, Scituate, & Foster)- Sojourner House: 401-861-6191
24-Hour Helplines: 401-658-4334 / 401-765-3232 / 401-647-1514
(Services for Providence & services and shelter for Northern RI)- Women's Center of RI: 401-861-2760
(Providence & East Providence)- Women's Resource Center of South County:
401-782-3990 or 1-866-782-3990
(Washington County)- Women's Resource Center of Newport & Bristol Counties:
401-846-5263
Also: 401-847-2533 / 401-247-2070 / 401-635-2548 / 401-423-9649
(Mewport & Bristol Counties)