Relationship Violence

Relationship violence is any unhealthy behavior in a relationship that causes you hurt, fear or shame. Harsh or belittling words, threats, and isolation are often used by one person in a relationship to control the other person. Sometimes relationship violence includes physical assaults, but not always. Many people who have experienced relationship violence feel confused, hurt and/or angry that someone they care about has treated them so bad. Just as there are many signs of a healthy relationship, there are also many red flags which indicate that your relationship is unhealthy and may be at risk of becoming violent.

Relationship violence is never the fault of the victim. The blames lies with the person who chose to hurt you. Aurora Center advocates offer support and advocacy to students, staff and faculty of the University of Minnesota who are victims of relationship violence. Our services are free and confidential.

More information about the dynamics of and common responses to relationship violence is available in our relationship violence information packet. Additional information is provided in our publications.