Successful relationships based on equality and respect are an important part of success both in and out of the classroom, a NW counselor told students Sept. 11.

Jamie Stroud presented Expect Respect: Danger Signs of Dating Violence to educate students on the warning signs of abusive relationships.

“When we think of dating violence, most of us think of physical abuse, but that’s not the case,” she said. “Dating violence comes in different forms.”

Dating violence can occur physically, sexually and psychologically.

It spans cultures, age groups and socioeconomic lines and has occurred since the dawn of time, Jones said.

Although little research was performed on violence in intimate relationships before the 1920s, the available data indicates that instances of abuse have risen since women were given the right to vote, she said.

“If violence is about unequal relationships and the 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote, they were, in a sense, made more equal,” she said. “One would presume that violence would decrease, but it has increased.”

Citing research studies, Jones also showed the correlation between exposure to pornography and the prevalence of dating violence.

“Research shows that 70 percent of college males reported viewing pornography at least once a month,” she said.

Exposure to these unrealistic portrayals of sexual activity often creates unrealistic expectations in men.

Early exposure in children, some occurring as early as the age of 9, can have lasting impacts on emotional growth, Jones said.

“I was really surprised about the high number of college students that reported viewing pornography, and especially the early age some children are viewing pornography. That shocked me,” said NW freshman Jordan Patton.

Stroud encouraged anyone who feels they may be a victim of dating violence to visit the counseling office at their campus, where they can receive free assistance.