About Dating Abuse
Get Help
I Think I’m Being Abused
If you have experienced anything in your relationship that makes you uncomfortable, trust your instincts. If things don’t feel right to you, they probably aren’t. It is important to know that the abuse is not your fault. Your boyfriend or girlfriend might try to blame you for the abuse, but nothing you do makes it OK for them to hurt or control you. They are making a choice to act this way, and it’s wrong.
What Should I Do?
If you think you are being abused, there are lots of things you can do:
- Talk to a teacher, adult, parent, or friend.
- Talk to your local domestic violence program (you can talk to them anonymously if you want); find one through the NYS Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline at 1-800-942-6906 (English) or 1-800-942-6908 (Spanish) or
- The National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline 1.866.331.9474 or TTY 1.866.331.8453 is available for you to talk to a peer advocate.
- Create a safety plan with ideas of who you can talk to or a safe place you can go to if the abuse happens again.
- Report the abuse to your Principal or Dean of Students.
- Visit your school psychologist or counseling center if you would like to talk with someone.
- Call your campus police or 911 if you are in danger.
- See a doctor or go to the hospital if you are injured or have been sexually assaulted. If you have been raped or sexually assaulted it is best to go to the hospital within 72 hours of the assault, and not to shower or change clothes before seeking medical help.
Be aware that some school and university staff may be “mandated reporters” meaning they have to report the abuse if they have enough information. If you do not want to make a formal report, you may want to ask about this before revealing too much specific information.
