Possible Effects of Dating Violence on the Victim include
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loss of appetite | |
shame | |
|
headaches | |
mistrust of self | |
|
nervousness | |
mistrust of others | |
|
weight loss | |
depression | |
|
bruises or broken bones | |
fear | |
|
sadness | |
feelings of worthlessness | |
|
self-blame | |
terror | |
|
confusion | |
death | |
|
anxiety | |
suicide | |
|
guilt | |
permanent injury |
Why it’s hard to "just break-up"
1. Love: Abusers are not always hurtful. Many abusers have a likeable and loving side that makes their victims with only that the abuse would stop. Many victims think they can change the abuser’s behavior.
2. Fear: Many times a date/partner will threaten to hurt him or herself if the other decides to leave. Many times the abuser will threaten to hurt the victim if s/he decides to leave. Abusers often threaten that the violence will get worse if the partner decides to leave.
3. Doubt: It’s not always easy to admit that the relationship you are in is abusive. If your date is popular at school (athletics, academics, etc.) you may be concerned about losing social status with your peers.
4. Embarrassment: Teens who ask for help (especially from parents) may perceive themselves to be failures. Some teenagers believe that their parents will react violently if they are aware of the abuse.
