Love should never hurt. But sometimes it does:

• According to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, Nearly 3 in 10 women and 1 in 10 men in the United States have experienced rape, physical violence, or stalking by a partner and report that the violence impacted them in some way (e.g., made them feel fearful or concerned for their safety, resulted in an injury or need for services, or they lost days from work or school).
• FBI statistics indicate that intimate partner violence resulted in 1,336 deaths in 2010—accounting for 10% of all homicides. Eight two percent of these deaths were females and 18% were males.
• Abuse can occur in any type of relationship--gay and straight, casual and long-term, young and old.
• About 10% of high school students say that have suffered violence from someone they date.

This includes physical abuse where someone causes physical pain or injury to another person. This can involve hitting, slapping, or kicking.  Sexual abuse is also a type of violence, and involves any kind of unwanted sexual advance. It can include everything from unwelcome sexual comments to kissing to intercourse. Forced sexual intercourse is rape, when it occurs between dating partners it’s called "date rape."

Abuse doesn’t always mean that someone hits or hurts your body. Emotional Abuse is anything that harms your self-esteem or causes shame. This includes saying things that hurt your feelings or makes you feel that you aren’t worthwhile, and trying to control who you see or where you go.

These forms of abuse can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation.

If you are – or have been – in a relationship where you were mistreated, it’s very easy to blame yourself. The problem is with the abuser, though, not you. It’s not your fault! Anyone can be abused – boys and girls, men and women, gay or straight, young and old – and anyone can become an abuser.

No matter what type of relationship you are in, leaving that relationship can be scary. We often feel tugged in different directions by our feelings, for many reasons:

Love - Many abusers have a likable and loving side. Many victims believe they can change the abuser's behavior. 
Fear - Sometimes a partner will threaten to hurt themselves, or you, when you decide to break up.
Doubt - It's not always easy to admit that the relationship you are in is abusive. You may be worried about what people might think. 
Embarrassment - People who ask for help may feel like a failure.

Abuse doesn’t happen because you did something wrong, or weren’t smart enough or strong enough. Give yourself a break: remember that you probably did the best you could at the time, and now you’re learning how to be safe, healthy, and happy in your relationships.

Remember, you deserve healthy, happy relationships. Abuse of any type is never okay.

In any intimate relationship, ask yourself:

• Have they ever hit or slapped me?
• Have they ever grabbed or threatened me, or made me feel afraid?
• Do they demand to know where I go and who I see?
• Do they talk to me in a way that isn’t nice, or that puts me down?
• Do they always have to have their own way?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, you may be in a relationship that isn’t good for you. The good news is you can stop dating abuse.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Remember, you didn’t do anything wrong, and you’re not the problem. Talk with someone you’re comfortable with. Call a hotline (see below). If you ever feel that you’re in immediate danger, get away and call 911.

Tips for staying safe

• Get to know someone before going out. At first go to public places like a movie, restaurant, or park.
• Let someone know whom you’re with and where you’ll be going, especially with a new partner or a first date.
• Take your cell phone on a date. Have some cash in case you need to get home on your own.
• For teenagers, date someone who’s close to your own age. Dates who are older sometimes are more aggressive about sex, or more likely to be abusive and controlling.
• At any age, be careful when you meet someone online. Don’t give away personal information, such as your real name or where you live. Remember, people on the Internet sometimes are not what they say they are.