"Jealousy and possessiveness are not a sign of true love. they are an early warning of abuse.  Recognize the signals and get help." Excerpt from Canada's Private Broadcasters' 1996 anti-Violence Radio and Television Campaign   Dating violence can be   prevented As an individual you can... Help young people build their self-esteem. -    Acknowledge the positive things they do. -    Listen respectfully when they are telling you something. -    Believe what they say and take it seriously. -    Allow them to make decisions appropriate to their abilities.   Help young people be self-reliant. -    Teach them to resolve conflicts without violence. -    Teach them that the use of force and insults is not acceptable in a caring relationship.

-    Teach them that no person has the right to possess or control another person. -    Teach them that excessive jealousy is not a sign of love but a sign of insecurity and a need to control. Practice what you preach. -   Treat other people with respect. -   Use non-violent ways to deal with conflict and anger. -   Speak out against attitudes and behaviours that are abusive. -   Learn more about violence in relationships and the resources available in your community that help young people in trouble. As a community person you can… Tell representatives of the media or advertisers that the portrayal of violence as a way to solve problems, control other people or get one's own way is not acceptable.   Encourage your local school to include programs that promote the building of self-esteem and positive ways of relating to people. Material adapted from Dating Violence fact sheet, Alberta Office for the Prevention of Family Violence. Photocopy freely Également disponible en français       In partnership with: Canadian Heritage Health Canada Department of Justice Canada Status of Women Canada Human Resources Development Canada National Defence Royal Canadian Mounted Police