Index
- Objectives
- Introduction
- What is Teen Dating Violence
- Prevalence of Teenage Domestic Violence
- Influences on Teens in Violent Relationships
- Warning Signs of Abuse
- What Teenagers Need
- Safety Plan
Domestic violence is not just an adult problem. Teenagers often experience violence from another teen in dating relationships. Statistics show that one in three teenagers has experienced violence in a dating relationship. In fact, according to the Bureau of Justice, “Women ages 16 to 24 experience the highest per capita rates of intimate violence – nearly 20 per 1000 women.”1 In teen dating violence, one partner tries to maintain power and control over the other through abuse. Dating violence crosses all racial, economic and social lines. Because of the risk of serious injury in violent dating relationships, young women need to be well informed and have a dating safety plan.
Teen dating violence is abusive and violent behavior in teen dating relationships. As in other forms of abuse, the perpetrator seeks to control and dominate the victim. The abusive behavior includes:
(See references below for sources of statistics)
AVA gratefully acknowledges the Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence Newsletter, Winter 1999, for the following information on domestic violence among teenagers.
Common clues that indicate a teenager may be experiencing dating violence.
When counseling teens focus on their safety, encourage them to take time to think about a safety plan so that they know in advance what to do. Considerations should include answering these questions:
1. Bureau of Justice Special Report: Intimate Partner Violence, May 2000.
“National Teen Dating Violence Prevention Initiation, Teen Dating Violence Facts,” American Bar Association 2006.
1. Choose Respect: Dating Abuse Statistics. Centers for Disease Control. March 15, 2009.
2. Teen Dating Violence. The National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center. March 15, 2009.
3. Teen Dating Violence: A Closer Look at Adolescent Romantic Relationships. U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs. March 15, 2009.
4. Teen Relationship Study. National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline. March 15, 2009.