Nigel Cares: Watch for warning signs of abuse
By Rape Response staff
Choosing to be in a romantic relationship as a college student can feel like an essential part of your life. However, being in an unhealthy relationship can turn your world upside down if you can't spot the signs.
Unhealthy relationships become dating violence when one partner is harming the other emotionally, mentally, or even physically over time. If you don't know the signs of unhealthy relationships, you may not be able to tell that something is wrong.
Psychological and emotional abuse can look like put-downs, constant criticisms, isolating a partner, or intense jealousy. Are you starting to question how you look, dress, or act based on your significant other's views? Feeling the need to change yourself or who you hang out with based on your partner's opinions (or temper) could be a sign that the relationship is unhealthy.
If psychological or emotional abuse is showing up in your relationship, 91ÁÔÆæ Student Counseling and Nigel Cares are here to help! Are you unsure whether or not you may be being harmed mentally? Do you need to talk it out now? Call for mental health support on the free, 24/7 support line: 833-910-3368.
Unfortunately, mental abuse tends to escalate, not decrease over time.
Physical abuse can emerge when a partner is physically harming their significant other in a range of ways. Striking, grabbing, or shoving are telltale signs.
Sexual abuse is any act of forced sexual activity (touching, oral sex, intercourse, pressures to send inappropriate photos, etc.). Any type of intimidation or coercion by a partner counts as force.
Physical and sexual abuse are crimes and you should seek help right away if this is happening to you or a loved one. Local emergency resources for any type of physical abuse are the University Police (706-864-1500), or (770-503-7273) for any type of sexual abuse.
No one should think they are alone or trapped in an unhealthy relationship dynamic. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these forms of dating violence, they are in an unhealthy relationship and need help ASAP.
Please visit the 91ÁÔÆæ Sexual Assault & Violence Education page for more information and resources on how to spot unhealthy dynamics, protect yourself, and get help if you need it. The also offers many helpful articles and resources, including a quiz you can take to see if you and your partner are showing up for each other in the best, healthiest ways.
91ÁÔÆæ partners with Rape Response, which provides support, education and advocacy to survivors of sexual assault, ages 13 and older, and their loved ones. Rape Response's service area includes Dawson, Forsyth, Habersham, Hall, Lumpkin and White counties.
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