Teen Dating Violence

Dating Violence is defined as any intentional sexual, physical or psychological attack on one partner by the other in a dating relationship. It is a pattern of assaults and controlling behaviors that one person uses against another in order to gain or maintain power in the relationship.

Behaviors shown in Teen Dating Violence (TDV) relationships might include:

  • Name-calling/Put-downs

  • Making threats to commit suicide

  • Spreading rumors

  • Blaming the abused partner for all the problems in the relationship

  • Constant accusations of cheating

  • Stalking

  • Using technology to stalk, send malicious messages, post inappropriate pictures

  • Silent treatment

  • Teasing and bullying

  • Unwanted sexual advances, forced prostitution, or forcing partner to watch pornography

Effects of TDV may include:

  • Lower self-esteem

  • Feeling fear

  • Nightmares and sleeplessness

  • Depression or anxiety

  • Suicide or thoughts of suicide

Comparison chart showing healthy and unhealthy relationship characteristics. Healthy traits include mutual respect, honesty, problem-solving, self-confidence, trust, compromise, individuality, understanding, and good communication. Unhealthy traits include dishonesty, control, dependence, sexual violence, hostility, intimidation, disrespect, emotional and physical abuse.
Infographic about teen dating violence awareness with tips on prevention, including promoting healthy relationships, engaging adults, disrupting partner violence development, creating safe environments, strengthening economic supports, and supporting survivors.

Dating violence is more common than people think, especially among teens and young adults: one in three teens in the US will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they’re in a relationship with before they become adults, and nearly half (43%) of college women report experiencing violent or abusive dating behaviors.

Every February, young people and their loved ones join together across the country for a national effort to raise awareness about the issue of teen dating violence through Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM). This annual, month-long push focuses on advocacy and education to stop dating abuse before it starts.

Teen Dating Violence Safety Planning

Creating a safety plan may help you to protect yourself from future harm or abuse.

You may want to consider:

  • Talking to an adult you trust, whether they are a parent/teacher/family member/etc.

  • Keep your technology passwords safe and confidential (Includes Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, cell phone, bank account, email, etc.)

  • Maintain relationships with your close friends.

  • Continue participating in activities you enjoy (i.e. playing sports, art, drama, playing instruments, etc.)

Young woman smiling and holding a large banner that reads February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month at an indoor event with tables and displays.

Resources