Sexual Violence Advisory Committee, Winona State University  

RED FLAGS IN DATING RELATIONSHIPS

The four factors that are most important in detecting pre-rape behavior and/or abuse among dates and acquaintances are:

1. Sexual Entitlement
   • Touching another person with no regard for their wishes
   • Sexualizing relationships that are appropriately non-sexual
   • Using conversation that is inappropriately intimate
   • Telling sexual jokes at inappropriate times or places
   • Making inappropriate comments about people’s bodies, sexuality, etc.
     
2. Power and Control
   • Interrupting people
   • Being a “bad loser”
   • Exhibiting inappropriate competitiveness
   • Using intimidating body language
   • Game Playing
     
3. Hostility and Anger
   • Showing a quick temper
   • Blaming others when things go wrong
   • Tending to transform other emotions into anger
     
4. Acceptance of Interpersonal Violence
   • Using threats in displays of anger
   • Using violence in borderline situations
   • Approving observed violence
   • Justifying violence

This information used with permission of the University of Minnesota Program Against Sexual Violence