Red Flags in Relationships

Activity Overview

Unhealthy relationships do not start out that way at the beginning. If it did, we would recognize them and end the relationship before it got too far. The changes usualy begin during the "tension phase" in the cycle from a previous activity. Detecting red flags as soon as possible is essential for the victim's safety, and so it’s important to practice identifying potential indicators of abuse.

One safe way to do so is through creating storyboard examples. This activity could help develop the skill that can be applied to real world situations. Have students create a three cell storyboard showing three different red flags. Anyone can be a victim or an aggressor, so having the students use different situations and characters for each cell is important. Students should avoid using classmates or friends in their storyboards.

Example Red Flags of an Unhealthy Relationship

The aggressor…

• controls aspects of the relationship
• separates the victim from their friends or family
• is overly generous
• talks badly about other people or past relationships
• is possessive of the victim
• uses insults to put down the victim
• demands access to the victim’s phone/social media
• feels as if they are never at fault
• has unpredictable mood swings
• is consistently angry

Template and Class Instructions

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