Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence
Information Service
Relationship Violence
Relationship violence occurs when an
individual uses a pattern of sexual, physical, emotional and/or
verbal abuse to control an intimate partner.
Relationship violence is a broad term that includes domestic
violence crimes, such as assault, rape and criminal trespass.
The Washington State Domestic Violence Protection Act
applies to individuals 16 or older who have, or have had, a
dating or marital relationship with the alleged abuser. More
information on the Domestic Violence Protection Act can be found here.
Abusive individuals usually have a need
for power or control over someone else to compensate for their
own low self-esteem, insecurity, fear and confusion. Abusive
relationships typically develop over time, not on the first date.
Be wary of a partner who:
- makes all of the decisions in the relationship;
- loses his or her temper, and then blames you for causing
this loss of control;
- checks up on you frequently, and always wants to be with
you to the exclusion of anyone or anything else in your
life.
- More signs to look for in an abusive relationship can be
found here.
If you think you or someone you know may be in
an abusive relationship, these are some steps you may take to
increase your safety:
- Plan ahead by developing a range of options for your
safety before the next violent period erupts; however, be
careful not to leave appointment, address or telephone
books, or other clues to your plan lying around; more
information on making a safety plan can be found here.
- Tell a friend, relative, faculty or staff person what is
happening;
- Contact one of the resources listed on this web page;
- If you have left the person who is abusing you, file a
protection (no contact) order. Instructions on how to
start this process may be obtained from the University
Police or SARIS. You can find more information on how to
apply for a temporary order of protection and download
the forms at this Washington
State Courts website;
- In an emergency, dial 911 or 9-911;
- For more information on relationship violence, you may
call the Domestic Violence Recorded Information Line at
(206) 205-5555.
- More information on increasing your safety can be found here.
For more information, please call SARIS at
685-HELP (4357).
