Dating violence is the threat or act of violence by at least one member of an unmarried couple to the other member of an unmarried couple. This could be sexual assault, physical violence, verbal, mental or emotional abuse.

What do we mean when we talk about Dating Violence?

Dating abuse isn’t an argument every once in a while, or a bad mood after a bad day. Dating abuse (or Relationship Abuse) is a pattern of controlling behavior that someone uses against a girlfriend or boyfriend.

Abuse can cause injury and even death, but it doesn’t have to be physical. It can include verbal and emotional abuse – constant insults, isolation from family and friends, name calling, controlling what someone wears-and it can also include sexual abuse.

What are the early warning signs of dating violence?

  • Get jealous or angry when you spend time with friends or family. Isolate you from friends or family
  • Controlling behavior towards you
  • Excessive alcohol and drug use
  • Explosive anger, uses force and aggressive behavior during an argument
  • Blames others for their problems, feelings or actions
  • Cruel to animals or children
  • Verbally and emotional abusive towards you
  • Abused former partners
  • Text or call you excessively and get upset when you don’t respond
  • Monitor your phone, email or profile on a social networking site
  • Feels they have a right to know where you are most or all of the time
  • Monitors your clothes or style. Controls what you wear
  • Push, slap, pinch, grab or punch you for any reason
  • Restrain you from leaving during an argument
  • Guilt or force you to have sex
  • Pressure you to do things you don’t want to do
  • Threatened to you or themselves if the relationship ends

Ending an abusive relationship

If you're thinking of ending your relationship, consider these safety tips:

  • 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 these ways can provide you the distance needed to stay safe
  • If you decide to break up in person, consider doing it in a public place. Take a cell phone or a friend with you if possible
  • 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
  • Let your friends or family member know you are ending your relationship, especially if you think your ex will come to your house or try to get you alone
  • If your ex tries to come to your house, school or work when you're alone, don’t go to the door. Trust yourself. If you feel afraid, you probably have a good reason
  • Ask for help. Contact your local Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, speak to a parent or trusted adult, or contact a peer advocate at the National Dating Abuse Helpline: 1-866-331-9474 or visit www.loveisrespect.org for more information

When is over…

Just because an abusive relationship is over, doesn’t mean the risk of violence is over. Here are some tips to stay safe after ending your relationship:

  • If you ex tries to come to your house when you’re alone, don’t answer the door
  • Trust yourself. If you feel afraid, you probably have a good reason. Talk with a friend or family member about what you are going through they can provide support
  • Talk to your boss or school counselor or therapist about what has been going on. Together you can alert security, adjust your work or school schedule. You may be able to come up with ways you can be safe
  • Avoid isolated areas outside your home, work school or local hangout. Don’t walk home alone
  • Stick with a friend at parties or events you think your ex-partner might attend
  • Save any threatening or harassing messages, emails, or text your ex-partner sent. Set your profile all social media platforms to private
  • If you ever feel you’re in danger, call 911

Resources/Social Services Available

National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline
1-866-331-9474
https://www.loveisrespect.org

Coordinated Victims Assistance Center
2400 S. Dixie Hwy Miami, Florida 33133
305-285-5900
https://www.miamidade.gov/global/service.page?Mduid_service=ser1502483183449106

Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts-Injunctions/restraining orders

• Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse Center
   175 NW First Avenue Miami, Florida 33128

• South Dade Government Center
   10710 SW 211th Street Cutler Bay, Florida 33189

• North Dade Justice Center
   15555 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite #100 N. Miami Beach, Florida 33160

• Hialeah Court House
   11 East 6th Street, Hialeah, Florida 33010

Miami-Dade County Clerk of the Courts - Restraining Orders

Dade Legal Aid of Greater Miami
23 NW 1st Avenue Miami, Florida 33128
305-579-5733
http://www.dadelegalaid.org

Survivor’s Pathway Counseling Center
1801 Coral Way Miami, Florida 33145
786-275-4364
https://survivorspathway.org

Trauma Resolution Counseling Center
4343 W Flagler St Coral Gables, FL 33134
305-374-9990
https://www.traumaresolutioncenter.net