Dating Bill of Rights:

You have the right:

·       Not to be pushed, shoved, pounded, slapped, bruised, kicked, or strangled

·       Not to be verbally attacked or accused

·       Not to have your possessions damaged

·       Not to be interfered with in your comings and goings

·       Not to be followed, harassed, or spied on

·       Not to be ridiculed, put down, made fun of, or belittled (alone or in front of others)

·       Not to be emotionally starved

Remember:

1.    You did not cause the attack.

2.    You cannot keep it from happening again.

3.    Your words/actions do not influence him.

4.    Alcohol does not cause violence—it is the excuse he uses to be violent.

5.    Because he is sorry afterwards does no excuse what he did.

6.    You are no one of his possessions to be used as he sees fit.

7.    You don’t deserve to be beaten.

8.    You are not to blame for the violence.  Look elsewhere to place the blame.

9.    You cannot control his violence.  You are powerless to control it.  You are free to manage your own life. 

“Perhaps my confusion and despair are so great that I will have to take it one hour at a time, or one minute at a time, reminding myself constantly that I have authority over no life but my own.”

For more information, contact the Office of Substance Abuse & Sexual Assault Education,

Tyler Hall, 831-5709