Free Relationship Advice

 Violence in Dating

Not only are women staying in violent relationships when they’re not married—they’re in violent relationships before they’re even women! Data suggest that 25% of 8th and 9th graders have experienced dating violence. The reasons behind this phenomenon are still debatable, ranging from media influence to a breakdown in family, but one thing’s for sure—we need to start teaching our girls not to tolerate any violence way before we previously thought.

And for the women who find themselves in abusive relationships? It’s likely that they stay because, regardless of whether they’re married, they feel connected to their partners in the same way—that is a fundamental difference between men and women. They don’t want to give up on their guys, and will believe any and all of the excuses and promises that come their way to keep the dream alive—that one day, they’ll be able to “fix” things.  And, perhaps most of all, they are afraid to enter the dating market again. As unbelievable as it seems, the thought of that—and being alone—can actually seem worse than staying in their current situation!

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