How Legal Services Help Dating Abuse Victims

February 11, 2015
One in three young people experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from a dating partner. This is an epidemic. Despite the urgency of this issue, survivors between the ages of 12-18 often have limited access to legal protections, including civil protection orders or restraining orders…. Read More
February 08, 2015
As adult allies, we work with youth to help them build healthy relationships, we work to provide much needed help services but most importantly we work to empower youth to become today’s change to stand up and speak out and that is exactly what these amazing young people are doing.

The National… Read More

February 05, 2015
Creating a culture without abuse takes all of us. With one in three young people experiencing some form of dating abuse, it is essential that we take a serious step toward deconstructing unhealthy relationships, and our beliefs about them. Your voice matters, and getting involved is the first step… Read More
January 26, 2015
Dating abuse affects everyone. It knows no boundaries and crosses all barriers. It can happen to anyone, at any time, at any age. This isn’t just reflect in what we see in our lives — it’s in the statistics. Shockingly, one in three young people will experience some form of dating abuse, but… Read More
January 23, 2015
During teenDVmonth, we’ve asked our National Youth Advisory Board to guest write blogs. This week’s youth perspective is brought to you by Nicole De Sario, Executive Team Member.

As you may know, the National Youth Advisory Board for loveisrespect consists of 24 youth aged 14-24 from all over… Read More

Announcing Our New Chief Executive Officer: Amy Sánchez
January 23, 2015
On behalf of the Break the Cycle Board of Directors, I am delighted to announce that the new Chief Executive Officer of Break the Cycle is Amy Sánchez. Amy is widely respected in the domestic violence field, and has a history of building organizations that engage communities to end violence.

Amy…

December 03, 2014
Last January, The Amanda Forum’s first annual conference, put together by the Caring Place of Valparaiso, Indiana as part of a youth dating violence prevention project in honored Amanda Bach. In 2011 Amanda was murdered by her ex-boyfriend. (He received a 60 year sentence for the murder and is… Read More
November 21, 2014
Last month, Break the Cycle staff participated in the Trauma Informed Care Roundtable, conducted by the Sexual Violence Justice Institute (SVJI) of the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault. Hosted by the US Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women, SVJI brought together 15… Read More
November 14, 2014
Going through a breakup is always difficult, no matter the circumstances. But going through a breakup after being in an unhealthy relationship can feel even worse. It’s important to remember you’re not alone and have the support of family and friends to get you through this tough time. Plus, it’s… Read More
November 12, 2014
You’ve just gone through a breakup. It’s intense, painful, and sad. These feelings are totally natural and expected. Despite these common feelings, many people don’t want to accept or understand that their relationship has ended. What do you do when you break up with someone who won’t let go,… Read More
November 10, 2014
When people start dating, there can be all kinds of fireworks and “butterflies in the stomach.” Some time later, those feelings may have faded, replaced by the feeling that the two shouldn’t be together anymore. So how can people break up without making them miserable, causing a scene, or worse… Read More
November 07, 2014
First dates are exciting for anyone, especially for young people who may not have gone out on a date! That said, a first date can also turn into the perfect storm of nerves, hormones and tactlessness. It can be really easy to screw up the date by saying or doing the wrong thing. If you want to make… Read More
November 04, 2014
Actress and singer Jennifer Lopez recently admitted she’s been in an emotionally abusive relationship in the past.

“I’ve never gotten a black eye or a busted lip, but I’ve felt abused in one way or another: mentally, emotionally, verbally,” Lopez writes in a new memoir, True Love. Sadly, J…. Read More

November 03, 2014
One threatening text may not be enough for someone to realize it’s abuse, but multiple and repeated threatening texts are a pattern of behavior. The same goes for emails, phone calls, voicemails, and messages online. And often, when abuse happens digitally or verbally, it can escalate to something… Read More
October 22, 2014
Part of being in a healthy relationship is communicating effectively, including when someone feels angry or disappointed. Disagreements and fights are bound to happen in any relationship, which is why it’s crucial to know how to fight fairly with a partner.

What is unfair fighting? It’s when one… Read More

October 20, 2014
In many states, the laws are designed so that the victim can obtain a protection order or restraining order without a lawyer. But say there are children involved or there are issues with immigration. What if the abuser has a lawyer? If any of these pertain to your or your child’s case, then it’s a… Read More
October 15, 2014
Digital technology continues to eke a permanent place in American lives. How we communicate, who we meet, and how we meet them. How we manage our lives are increasingly dictated by the Internet, social media and cell phones. But how do couples in committed relationships, married or not, use… Read More
October 10, 2014
Everyone jokes around and teases their family and friends. It’s the same in a relationship. However, there’s a line between being playful and rude. What happens when it goes from innocent teasing to insulting?

One of the biggest red flags of an unhealthy or abusive relationship is name calling…. Read More

October 08, 2014
Last week kicked off National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, so we find it in bad taste that Maroon 5’s “Animals” video came out days before, glorifying stalker behavior.

At RAINN, they feel that the video is a “dangerous depiction of a stalker’s fantasy.” We tend to agree. From the… Read More

October 03, 2014
In this post, our co-worker Sagar offers a perspective on domestic violence entirely different — and yet all too familiar — from the one we have in America. From cultural norms passed down over time, to legal progress filled with loopholes, it paints a startling and similar picture of datng abuse… Read More