Recognize top signs of dating violence

This column appears in the Nevada Appeal Wednesday health pages. It addresses topics related to the health of our community.

This month, Get Healthy articles have been focusing on love - loving your heart, celebrating Valentine's Day and sexual health. But what happens when love isn't what it's supposed to be?

What if violence is involved and someone is at risk for physical or psychological harm? Since February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, this column will bring attention to some of the warning signs of dating violence and highlight some of the resources in our community that are there to help victims of abusive or controlling relationships.

All relationships are different and it can be difficult to identify a violent or controlling relationship at first.

However, there are patterns that can signify that there is an imbalance of power, and possible violence in a relationship.

Often, abusive behavior occurs in cycles, with an initial "honeymoon phase" where the couple seems very much in love.

This is followed by a tension-building time when the relationship becomes strained. Finally, there is an explosion where one partner lashes out.

This may include emotional, verbal, sexual or physical abuse. Then the abuser apologizes and the relationship returns to the happy "honeymoon" period, and the cycle begins again.

Often, it repeats over and over, either because the pattern is not recognized, the person being abused believes the abuser when he or she says they will change, or the abused feels trapped.

Here are 10 of the most common abusive behaviors to look out for:

• Checking your cell phone or

email without permission

• Constantly putting you down

• Extreme jealousy or insecurity

• Explosive temper

• Isolating you from family

or friends

• Making false accusations

• Mood swings

• Physically hurting you in

any way

• Possessiveness

• Telling you what to do

If you or a loved one is in an abusive relationship, please get help. Turn to a trusted adult. A teacher, counselor, health care provider or religious leader can all be good resources.

Carson City Health and Human Services' nurses, disease intervention specialists and human services case managers are mandatory reporters of violence and will direct a victim to help and services.

Advocates to End Domestic Violence has a 24-hour Crisis Line for those who need help or who want to escape violence. The number is 775-883-7654.

• For more information ondating violence, visit www.breakthecycle.org.

For more information about other Health Department services, check out our website at www.gethealthycarsoncity.org or visit us at www.facebook.com/cchhs.

• For more information ondating violence, visit www.breakthecycle.org.

For more information about other Health Department services, check out our website at www.gethealthycarsoncity.org or visit us at www.facebook.com/cchhs.