dating abuse or dating violence is the perpetration or threat of an act of violence by at least one member of an unmarried couple on the other member in the context of dating or courtship. it also arises when one partner tries to maintain power and control over the other through abuse or violence, for example when a relationship has broken down. this abuse or violence can take a number of forms, such as sexual assault, sexual harassment, threats, physical violence, verbal, mental, or emotional abuse, social sabotage, and stalking. in extreme cases it may manifest in date rape. it can include psychological abuse, emotional blackmail, sexual abuse, physical abuse and psychological manipulation. though most frequently the perpetrator of abuse is a male partner against a female partner, abuse by a female partner against a male also takes place.