A relationship should be based on friendship.  The two people involved should respect each other, be able to communicate without violence or putdowns, have space to do things by themselves or with friends and have fun. Relationships can be hard sometimes but ultimately they should make you feel happy and supported not scared or disrespected. [...]

Great question! Some qualities of a healthy relationship can be found right here. You can make your own list of what you would want in a healthy relationship (communication, attraction, fun, no abuse, honesty, etc.). You have a right to expect a healthy relationship!

This is a really good question. Sometimes people give excuses for their abusive behaviour, but there is never a good reason to use abuse. Ultimately, it boils down to a choice someone makes.  It is true that: Some people grow up experiencing abuse. Some people are insecure so they try to control other people to [...]

Abuse is common. It is difficult to know exactly how many people are in abusive relationships, since many people don’t report it. They may not report abuse for the following reasons: don’t know who to talk to, have low self-esteem, are worried that others won’t believe them, are afraid the abuse will get worse, are [...]

There are a number of different warning signs that you may be in an abusive relationship. Abuse might be happening if your partner: puts you down criticizes your clothes, your friends, or the way you look follows you around, phones/texts you all the time and demands to know where you are tries to cut you [...]

Recognizing and admitting that you need to change your behaviour is the first step. You have to take responsibility for your actions without blaming your partner.  Talking about it with someone you trust is also very important. It helps you look at your behaviour and learn new ways of dealing with your emotions. You should [...]

Yes, anyone can experience abuse in a dating relationship. Whether they are dating other guys or girls, males can experience all forms of abuse. That being said, we know that females are abused more than males. Teenage girls experience up to three times the physical violence as boys do in relationships. Also, most sexual assault affects [...]

When someone is abused as child, it can be very traumatic and affect them in a really big way. Abuse is NEVER the child’s fault, and it does NOT mean they will become abusive when they are older. In fact, a lot of people who experience abuse when they’re younger decide that they never want anyone else to [...]

Yes, it is possible! Everyone deserves a healthy relationship, and you should expect one. Knowing the qualities of a healthy relationship can make is easier to see when things are unhealthy. Respect, fun, support, understanding, and space (among other things) are parts of a healthy relationship. If we don’t see these things in our relationship, [...]

The best way to avoid abuse is to expect a healthy relationship. You have the right to be in a relationship built on respect, trust, good communication and affection. If a relationship feels bad, don’t ignore your feelings or second guess yourself. Being in a relationship should be fun and make you feel good. You [...]