CREATING SAFE RELATIONSHIPS

Relationship violence can have a long term, debilitating effect on the people involved, and particularly on young people just beginning the dating process.  It attacks self-esteem, and is associated with higher rates of depression and lower sense of control.  Victims of relationship violence experience a sense of loss of wholeness or their integrity, which is particularly devastating to young people in the process of defining their identity.  Young people are more likely to internalize the blame, increasing the loss of self esteem and leading to a lack of trust in general.  

CREATING SAFE RELATIONSHIPS begins by taking a look at the qualities of healthy relationships, including the dating Bill of Rights.  It then examines communication styles, issues of power and gender stereotyping, and how these issues affect relationships.

Relationship violence occurs in a cycle.  CREATING SAFE RELATIONSHIPS takes a look at the cycle, and how to break it.  We examine the dynamics of relationship violence, with information about emotional, physical and sexual assault, including stalking.  We look at the impact on males and females, the legal issues involved, the clues of assaultive behavior and coping skills. Information on how to get help, and how to handle disclosures of violent behavior, as well as a list of resources, are provided.

CREATING SAFE RELATIONSHIPS will leave participants feeling safer and more in control in the dating experience by knowing what to watch for and how to get help.