Below are a series of statistics and facts regarding domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. A Red Flag is a term used to describe warning signs in a dating or domestic relationship.
Over 50% of female victims and more than 30% of male victims of stalking indicated that they were stalked before the age of 25. (Black et al., 2011)
A Red Flag includes a partner who installs spyware to monitor your online activity. (The SAFE Alliance)
A Red Flag includes a partner constantly checking up on you in person, through text, or through social media. (The SAFE Alliance)
66% of female victims and 41% of male victims of stalking are stalked by a current or former intimate partner (Black et al. 2011)
21% of college students report having experienced dating violence by a current partner (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 2007)
Stalking is a pattern of behavior that makes you feel afraid, nervous, harassed, or in danger. Red Flags for stalking can include:
- Waiting for the victim
- Leaving unwanted presents
- Following or spying on the victim
- Knowing your schedule
- Showing up at places you go
- Calling or texting repeatedly
- (Department of Justice, 2006)
Red Flags in a relationship may include:
- Feeling tied down and like you have to check-in with your partner
- Finding yourself worrying about obsessing about how to please your partner and keep them happy.
- A fear of disagreement
- Physical attacks
- Attempts to isolate
- Emotional abuse followed by being told you are loved
- Telling yourself that if you just try harder and love your partner enough, that everything will be fine
- (YWCA & Domestic Abuse Project, 2016)
Red Flags in a relationship may include a partner who:
- Is always angry at someone or something
- Doesn’t listen to you or show interest in your feelings
- Abuses alcohol or other drugs
- Takes your money or takes advantage of you
- Accuses you of flirting or cheating on them
- Lies to you
- Blames all arguments and problems on you
- Tells you how to dress or act
- Threatens suicide if you break up with them
- YWCA & Domestic Abuse Project, 2016)
This project was supported by Grant No. 2015-WA-AX-0024 awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.