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