View the Teen Dating Violence Power Topic

What’s Ahead

• About teen dating violence
• Warning signs that your partner may be abusive
• Consequences of teen dating violence
• What we can do about teen dating violence
• What can I do if I am sexually assaulted?
• What can I do if I experience or witness sexual harassment?

Dating Violence: What Is It?

• Physical violence: When a person hurts or tries to hurt a partner by hitting, kicking, or using other physical force.
• Sexual violence: Forcing or attempting to force a partner to take part in a sex act, sexual touching, or sexting when the partner does not or cannot consent.
• Psychological aggression: Using verbal or non-verbal communication to emotionally harm or control another person.
• Stalking: Repeated, unwanted attention or contact that causes fear or concern for one’s safety or the safety of someone close to the victim.

Teen Dating Violence: How Big Is the Problem?

• Nearly 1 in 11 female teens and about 1 in 15 male teens reported experiencing physical dating violence in the past year.
• About 1 in 9 female and 1 in 36 male high school students reported experiencing sexual dating violence in the past year.
• 26% of women and 15% of men experienced intimate partner violence for the first time before age 18.

Dating violence is widespread and adversely affects millions of teens.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Research shows the following factors are associated with a higher likelihood of experiencing teen dating violence:

• Prior sexual activity
• Having been a victim of crime or peer/sibling violence
• Having limited social support
• A large age gap between dating partners
• A dating partner with a history of bullying others

Dating Violence Starts Early

Among 11–14-year-olds:

• 47% report having been in a dating relationship
• 62% know peers who have been verbally abused by a dating partner
• 41% know peers who have been abused or insulted via messaging or social media
• 36% know peers who have been pressured into unwanted activities

20% of 13–14-year-olds in relationships know peers who have been physically abused by a dating partner.

The seriousness of these problems increases with age, particularly among teens ages 15–18.

Everyone deserves respect. Being insulted, pressured, or harmed emotionally or physically by a dating partner is never okay.

Talk About It

• Why might some teens tolerate being insulted or physically hurt by a dating partner?
• How do teens typically respond when pressured to do things they don’t want to do?
• If dating violence leads to sexual harassment at school, did you know schools are required to address it under Title IX? Learn more at Stop Sexual Assault in Schools.

Warning Signs: Your Partner May Be Abusive If They…

• Are extremely jealous, insecure, or possessive
• Insult you or your family or friends
• Humiliate you
• Tell you what to wear or how to style your hair
• Blame you for everything that goes wrong
• Have explosive temper outbursts or sudden mood swings
• Alternate between being charming and controlling or angry
• Withhold affection as punishment
• Threaten to spread rumors or share private information
• Isolate you from friends or family
• Tell you no one else will ever love you
• Cause physical pain or threaten harm to you, loved ones, or pets
• Control your money or prevent you from working
• Monitor your phone, email, or social media without permission
• Demand immediate responses to messages
• Control who you communicate with or where you go
• Destroy or take your belongings
• “Love bomb” you with excessive gifts or attention early in the relationship

Watch this short video by Jewish Women International showing how abusive behaviors often develop.

Dating Violence: Consequences

• Fear and safety concerns
• Missing school or work
• Post-traumatic stress symptoms
• Depression, anxiety, sleep issues
• Eating disorders or substance use
• Chronic pain or health issues
• Social withdrawal
• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
• Increased risk of future victimization or homelessness

What Can We Do?

• Respect your partner and expect respect in return
• Reflect on your own behaviors and those of your partner
• Intervene:
  • Privately check in with friends you believe may be experiencing abuse
  • Share warning signs and support resources
• Support survivors:
  • Believe them
  • Remind them they are valuable and deserving of respect

Do More

• Think about how you might approach a friend you’re concerned about
• Share what you’ve learned with others in your school or community
• Plan an event for February, Dating Violence Awareness Month

Learn More

Visit Love Is Respect for resources on healthy and unhealthy relationships.