Teen Dating Violence

Dating violence is a behavior in which one partner tries to maintain power and control over the other by using intimidation, confusion, isolation and fear in the relationship. Dating violence affects both girls and boys from all economic, ethnic and racial groups.

It is often hidden because teenagers typically:

• are inexperienced with dating relationships;
• are pressured by peers;
• want independence from parents;
• have "romantic" views of love.

Unfortunately, adults too often minimize teenage relationships. When adults don't take these teen relationships seriously, they don't recognize the warning signs of abuse. Teens who find themselves in an abusive relationship believe they have nowhere to go and no one to talk to about the relationship, yet they have to see their boyfriend/girlfriend every day at school.

1 out of 4 teens will experience abuse in their dating relationships by the age of 18. 

Click here for a helpful brochure for teen dating violence.