This month, Get Healthy articles have been focusing on love – loving your heart, celebrating Valentine’s Day, and sexual health. But what happens when love isn’t what it’s supposed to be? What if violence is involved and someone is at risk for physical or psychological harm? Since February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, this column will bring attention to some of the warning signs of dating violence, and highlight some of the resources in our community that are there to help victims of abusive or controlling relationships.

All relationships are different and it can be difficult to identify a violent or controlling relationship at first. However, there are patterns that can signify that there is an imbalance of power, and possible violence in a relationship. Often, abusive behavior occurs in cycles, with an initial “honeymoon phase” where the couple seems very much in love. This is followed by a tension-building time when the relationship becomes strained. Finally, there is an explosion where one partner lashes out. This may include emotional, verbal, sexual or physical abuse. Then the abuser apologizes and the relationship returns to the happy “honeymoon” period, and the cycle begins again. Often, it repeats over and over, either because the pattern is not recognized, the person being abused believes the abuser when he or she says they will change, or the abused feels trapped.
Here are ten of the most common abusive behaviors to look out for:

• Checking your cell phone or email without permission
• Constantly putting you down
• Extreme jealousy or insecurity
• Explosive temper
• Isolating you from family or friends
• Making false accusations
• Mood swings
• Physically hurting you in any way
• Possessiveness
• Telling you what to do

If you or a loved one is in an abusive relationship, please get help. Turn to a trusted adult - a teacher, counselor, health care provider, or religious leader can all be good resources. Carson City Health and Human Services’ nurses, disease intervention specialists, and human services case managers are mandatory reporters of violence, and will direct a victim to help and services. Advocates to End Domestic Violence has a 24-hour Crisis Line for those who need help or who want to escape violence. The number to call is 775-883-7654.

For more information on dating violence, visit HYPERLINK "www.breakthecycle.org" www.breakthecycle.org.
For more information about other Health Department services, check out our website at http://www.gethealthycarsoncity.org or visit us at http://www.facebook.com/cchhs

Carson City Health and Human Services
Clinic Hours: Monday-Wednesday and Friday
9 a.m. to 4 p.m., by appointment
900 East Long Street, Carson City
775-887-2195

Well Child visits are Mondays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Men’s Clinic is on Mondays from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Call for an appointment: 775-887-2195

Thursday is Immunization Day − No appointment needed
8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

NEW! Douglas County Community Health
1538 Highway 395 North
(Corner of Spruce St. & Cemetery Ln.)
Call 775-782-9038 for more information.