VIPER Project

Are You In An Abusive Relationship? The University of South Alabama has recognized that nearly half of all campus-reported crimes involve relationship issues. This brochure will help you recognize some early warning signs of domestic abuse, and will give you information on assistance programs available from USA and Mobile County, Alabama.

The University can help you escape an abusive relationship by coordination the resources available to you. Free counseling for USA affiliates, room changes and phone number changes for on-campus residents, class changes and excused absences for students or employees, possible disciplinary sanctions against offenders or criminal charges can help you confidently and safely leave the abuse.

"You Don't Have To Be Hit, To Be Hurt By Domestic Violence"

It is important to understand mental, emotional, and physical abuse and often includes other crimes such as Vandalism and Harassment. These crimes usually occur during the beginning stages of an abusive relationship. If you have discovered that your car has been "keyed" or damaged, and you just broke up with someone, could it be related? Are you receiving annoying phone calls or messages from someone you are not interested in or ended a relationship with? Both of these incidents are commen in dating, but by identifying these events as part of an abusive relationship is probably why a USA Police Officer or Housing Official has referred you to our site or given you our brochure.

Checklist

Does Your Partner...

• Make reasons or excuses to avoid family and friends?
• Embarrass or make fun of you in front of people you know?
• Put down you accomplishments or goals?
• Make decisions for the two of you?
• Intimidate or threaten you in any way?
• Treat you roughly - uses harsh words, rough physical contact, etc.?
• Call or show up at your work or class to make sure you are where you said you'd be?
• Use alcohol or drugs as an excuse for their behavior?
• Blame you for uncomfortable factors or events?
• Damage your property?
• Pressure you sexually for things you aren't ready for?
• Make you feel like there is no way out of the relationship?
• Show anger or express unhappiness when you make decisions or plans?
• Prevent you from sleeping, handling money, or wearing certain clothes when you want to?
• Become overly jealous of friends or other commitments?
• Threaten suicide to you in a relationship?

Do You...

• Feel scared of how your partner will act or react?
• Constantly make excuses for your partner's behavior?
• Believe that you can help your partner change if you change something about yourself?
• Spend a lot of time avoiding conflicts?
• Feel like no matter what you do, your partner isn't happy with you?
• Always do or eat what your partner wants instead of what you want?
• Stay with you partner because of fear?
• Worry about your safety or your belongings if you try to leave the relationship?

Domestic Violence Resources

University Police
(251) 460-6312

University Counseling Services
(free to USA affiliates)
(251) 460-7051

University Department of Housing
(251) 460-6185

University Dean of Students Office
(251) 460-6172

Penelope House Shelter
(251) 342-3144

Mobile County Assistance Services
(251) 415-3500

Rape Crisis/Contact Mobile
(251) 473-7273

Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-650-6522