You may have heard people say things like, “Why would she/he/they stay with him/her/them if they are abusing them?” or “Why doesn’t she/he/they leave?” These comments and questions can be hurtful and blaming of the person who is experiencing the violence. Relationship violence is a set of behaviors that are commonly misunderstood in our society. If you are humiliated or forced to be sexual in any way, that is sexual abuse. No matter what kind of relationship you have, if you are forced to have sex, it is rape. Loving someone does not mean that you can never say “no” to sex. It can take many forms, including physical violence, coercion, threats, intimidation, isolation, and emotional, sexual or economic abuse.Ībusive relationships may include sexual violence, which is a form of physical violence. Confidential RSVP counselors available 24/7Įmail or call 31 (Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)Ģ4/7 emergency via WUPD (31) or SARAH during the academic year (31)ĭating and relationship violence is a pattern of coercive and abusive tactics employed by one person in a relationship to gain power and control over another person.