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24 Hour Crisis Hotline 618-235-0892

Working Together to End Domestic Violence
EVERYONE DESERVES TO FEEL SAFE.
Domestic Violence on College Campuses is More Common Than You Might Think.

Relationship abuse, rape, sexual assault, and stalking are issues facing students at every college and university campus in the country. According to the American Bar Association, 28% of students on college campuses experience dating violence. Coupled with the Department of Justice’s estimation that only 38% of domestic violence incidents are reported to the police, this means that many students on campus experience abuse without support. Becoming aware of the services and resources available to survivors on your campus is one way you can support survivors and work to end gender-based violence on your campus.
How do I know if this is dating violence?
Dating violence is a pattern of behaviors used to exert power and control in a dating, romantic, or sexual relationship. It can happen in straight or gay relationships, to people of all cultural backgrounds, and from all income and educational backgrounds. It can include controlling behaviors and verbal, emotional, physical, and/or sexual abuse.

Some signs of dating violence include:
Controlling Behavior
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Monitors your whereabouts
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Tells you what to wear
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Dictates what friends you can see
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Threatening to hurt you or your family and friends
Physical Abuse
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Shoving, punching, hitting
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Hair pulling
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Strangling
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Restraining you from leaving
Verbal/Emotional Abuse
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Name Calling
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Isolates you from friends or family
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Humiliates you in front of others
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Extreme Jealousy
Sexual Abuse
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Unwanted kissing or touching
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Forcing you to have sex
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Not letting you use birth control
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Forcing you to do more than you are comfortable with
You don't have to go through this alone. Help is available.

Experiencing dating violence is never your fault! Nothing you ever say, wear, or do gives anyone the right to hurt you. We know reaching out for help can be scary, but if you or someone you know is experiencing dating violence you have options for help.
National Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Online: www.thehotline.org
Text for Help: Text "loveis" to 866-331-94742
Local 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 618-235-0892
The Violence Prevention Center is Ready to Help You

Meet Janisha, Legal Advocate
"College years are a period of self-discovery and transformation. Relationships can have a huge impact on how students navigate this stage of life. I am passionate about helping students maintain positive relationships that encourage growth and success."
Janisha is available to assist students with Orders of Protection and connect students to resources as needed. She can also provide information and support throughout criminal, family/child custody, and other legal proceedings. Janisha has a BA from Greenville University in History and Political Science.
To speak with Janisha about your rights, call 618-235-0892
Meet Lindsay, Legal Advocate
“Every student deserves to have a warm and fulfilling college experience that inspires personal growth. But, sometimes students will encounter new challenges and need help navigating difficult situations. My goal is to be a resource and a sense of support for anybody who wants to talk about how to establish and maintain healthy relationships. I am always here to help and I would love to listen to your story!”
Lindsay is available to advocate for students, inform them of their rights, and connect them with local resources. Lindsay helps with civil court processes such as filing for protective orders. Lindsay also provides support and assistance to survivors navigating the criminal process. Lindsay has her BA in Philosophy and English Literature from McKendree University; she is currently pursuing her MA in Counseling from Lindenwood University.
