Dating Violence Awareness Quiz

  • Published
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline

Have you ever tried to help someone in an abusive relationship and nothing improved? Were you disappointed? Did you wonder why you even bothered?

Helping a person in an abusive relationship is frustrating sometimes, but be patient.

Maybe they will come around and maybe they won't. By trying to help, you show your friend that you support them and can be trusted.

How do I know if I'm ready to help? Take this quiz:
Christina and your friend Hunter have been dating for a year. Christina is really jealous and always accuses Hunter of cheating on her even though he hasn't. She texts him constantly and checks all his emails. When they fight, she calls him names and tells him no one else will ever love him.
If I heard Christina yelling at or putting Hunter down...
• [0 points] I wouldn't say anything. HE should be able to defend himself
• [2 points] I would tell Hunter that he didn't deserve to be treated that way and that it isn't a healthy relationship
• [1 point] I wouldn't say anything to either of them, but I would let other friends know that I thought it was wrong


Your friend Elisha and John have been going out for a while. One day, John showed up at Elisha's job and saw her give another male a hug. John grabbed her arm and pulled her to his car all while calling her a slut and a cheater.
If I saw this happen...
• [2 points] I would tell Elisha that I was concerned about her and help her find information about abusive relationships
• [1 point] I would tell another friend and hope that they would do something to help Elisha
• [0 points] I would leave it alone. If Elisha didn't say anything to me, it's not my place to get involved.


Katie and Janet met at a party. When they first began dating, Katie was very sweet. Over time, she started putting Janet down and once ended a fight by slapping her. Things got worse and Katie told Janet if she ever left her, she would kill herself.
If I knew about all of this and another friend asked me if I thought Janet was O.K...
• [2 points] I would tell them I was also concerned about Janet and that we should go together to offer our help
• [1 point] I would pretend I didn't know and tell them to ask Janet directly
• [0 points] I would tell them to stay out of it - they are both girls. If Janet doesn't ask for help, it's nobody's business.


Scoring
Look at the point values next to your responses and add the numbers up to get your total.

6-8 points: When it comes to your friends, you're willing to put yourself out there and give them the support they need. That's great! Being in an abusive relationship is never easy, so letting your friend know that they can count on you for help is the best thing you can do.

3-5 points: You care about your friend and your heart is in the right place, but you're having some difficulty reaching out. Some people in abusive relationships may not realize they're in danger or may be afraid to ask for help. You shouldn't be afraid to reach out and let them know you're worried about their safety. At least you'll know you tried your best and they'll know you are someone they can trust.

0-2 points: Dealing with someone who is in an abusive relationship can be difficult, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't at least try. Remember that being in an abusive relationship is scary and lonely, and some people don't know how to ask for help. Be there for your friends. You may be the only person they can count on.

Remember: it is difficult and scary to leave an unhealthy relationship.

If at all you are experiencing difficulties and need help, below are a list of several helping agencies that will assist you:

Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate (DAVA): (406) 731-4174
24-hour Crisis Line: (406) 201-5207
Family Advocacy: (406) 731-2161
Military Family Life Consultation (MFLAC): (406) 750-8481
Chaplain: (406) 731-3801
YWCA Great Falls: (406) 452-1315
Voices of Hope Crisis Line: (406) 453-4357
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233