Teen Dating Violence

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

What is Teen Dating Violence?

Dating violence is a pattern of repeated abuse, or threats of abuse, that physically, verbally, sexually or emotionally harms a member of an unmarried heterosexual or homosexual couple. This typically includes the intentional use of coercive tactics to take and maintain control over an intimate. Any type of abuse in a relationship makes it unhealthy.

Victims are more likely to…

  • become depressed and/or anxious
  • use drugs and/or alcohol
  • become suicidal
  • be in abusive relationships in the future

Statistics

33%

Of young people are victims of dating violence

50%

Of young people experiencing dating violence attempt suicide

57%

Report it is difficult to identify dating violence

80%

Of girls continue to date their abuser

1 in 3

adolescents is a victim of dating violence

1 in 10

high school students have experienced dating violence

1 in 5

girls who presented a breakup were threatened with violence

1 in 3

teen who were in an abusive relationship never told anyone

What are the Signs?

The signs of Teen Dating Violence include:

  • Loss of temper more easily than necessary
  • Isolation from friends/family and jealously when you talk to other people
  • Making all the decisions and doesn’t take you seriously
  • Makes you feel that you must censor your thoughts and feelings when you are together so they don’t get angry
  • Physically hurt you or threaten to hurt you