Your Rights in a Relationship*
There are certain rights that we all share in relationships.
You have the right to:
- Express your opinions and be respected for them.
- Pursue your own interests
- Have your needs be as important as your partner’s
- Share expenses and be free of expected pay-backs
- Grow as an individual
- Have your feelings taken seriously
- Have control over your own body
- Be responsible for your own behavior – not your partner’s
- Change your mind
- Share responsibility for problem-solving
- Expect that an apology means something
- Socialize with anyone whom you choose
- Not to be abused – physically, sexually or emotionally
- Break up and fall out of love with someone and not be threatened
- Say no to ANYTHING
*Information as presented by the
University of Michigan
Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center
What can I do if I’m being abusive to my partner?
- Stop using abuse of any form (physical, sexual, economic or emotional), including threats and intimidation.
- Accept responsibility for your behavior. Remember that the use of violence is a choice and you can choose to change that behavior.
- Do not make excuses for your violence or blame your partner for your abusive behavior.
- Seek professional help from a qualified counselor who is knowledgeable about partner abuse.
- Alcohol, drug use or mental health problems may make abusive situations worse but they are not excuses for abusive behavior.
- Contact an on-campus resource:
- Shepherd University Counseling Center, 304-876-5161
- Dave Cole, Dean of Students
- Dr. Marie DeWalt, Title IX Coordinator
- Any member of the Shepherd University Police Department
- Any member of the Residence Life Staff
- Contact an off-campus resource: o The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)