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University of Wyoming

Relationship Violence


Take Our Relationship Quiz

  1. Is your partner jealous of your relationships and the time you spend with others? 5 points
  2. Does your partner check up on you or make you "check in" at all times? 5 points
  3. Is the relationship moving way too fast for you? 5 points
  4. Does your partner tell you what to wear and how to act? 5 points
  5. Has your partner asked you to stop seeing your friends and only spend time with them? 5 points
  6. Does your partner expect you to read their mind and get mad when you can't? 5 points
  7. Does your partner hit, slap or in any other way use physical force on you? 5 points
  8. Does your partner make you feel bad about yourself or use cruel or degrading marks like "stupid", "bitch", or "ugly"? 5 points
  9. Has your partner ever forced you to do something you didn't want to do? 5 points
  10. Do you feel isolated and a little bit like you are going crazy? 5 points

* If you scored 10 points or more, then abuse may be a problem in your relationship. Please look over the information on this page to learn more and help you decide what to do next.

Being in a Relationship Should Feel Good

Violence, fear and controlling behaviors should not be a part of any relationship. If you think you might be in an abusive relationship, talk it over with someone you trust. Don't believe anyone who says you are to blame.

Usually, abusive relationships start out with some of the behaviors mentioned above and escalate into what is known as a cycle of violence.

What is the cycle of violence?
Relationship violence often follows a predictable path called the cycle of violence. The cycle of violence is a pattern of behaviors that are common to most relationships where one partner is trying to control the other's behavior by being abusive. The cycle works like this: First, there is an acute abusive incident; this can be either physical or verbal. This is followed by the honeymoon phase in which the abuser is apologetic. They may promise to change or say that it will never happen again. This honeymoon phase eventually fades and the tension-building phase grows. Verbal and emotional abuse increase until there is another acute incident. Acute incidents cause physical or emotional damage to the victim. Despite the abuser's promises that it won't happen again, this cycle will usually repeat itself. Generally, the abuse becomes more and more damaging.

Go here to see a graphic representation of the cycle of violence. http://www.domesticviolence.org/cycle-of-violence/ 

There is help. You do have options.
If you think you might be in a dangerous relationship and want to talk it over with someone in a safe, confidential, free environment, please contact the STOP Violence Program, at the University Counseling Center,Room 341, Knight Hall, 766-2187.

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Studying, playing and living safely at the University of Wyoming where we encourage both men and women to be responsible for preventing sexual violence on our campus.

Last Updated on 8/12/2009 12:01:45 PM