Dating violence is about control. Dating violence happens when one person in a relationship uses abusive behavior to control the other person. The abuse is often physical, but not always. Use these links to learn more about different types of abuse:
Physical
Sexual abuse
Emotional abuse
Social deprivation
Economic deprivation

Abuse can happen to anyone. Abuse and dating violence cross all of society's boundaries: it doesn't matter if you are rich or poor, white or black, gay or straight. Abuse gets worse over time, so even relationships that start out perfect can become abusive later.

Abuse is not your fault. Abusers usually blame their victims. They say that it's your fault for not doing what you're supposed to, or they will say that you made them lose control or that you pushed them too far. Nobody deserves abuse. If your partner is hurting you, it's not your fault.

Abuse gets worse over time. Violence in relationships happens slowly - it usually starts off as cruel jokes, teasing, or hurtful remarks. Once the victim gets used to being teased, the partner's behavior gets more and more hurtful.

Your partner won't change. He may say that he "loses control" because of stress, drinking, or anger management problems, but violent behavior is always a choice. You will not be able to change him. You will just get more trapped in the relationship.