Teen dating violence is something that we don't hear about very much, but that does not mean it isn't prevalent in society. Let's take a look at teen dating violence, what it is, who it happens to, and what it looks like.
81% of American parents of teens believe teen dating violence is not a problem at all, or they are unsure. Let's look at some statistics to find out the facts:
1 in 3 teens experience some form of relationship abuse.
Each year 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner.
43% of college women report experiencing violent and abusive dating behaviors.
As you can see, teen dating violence is a significant problem that needs to be addressed.
If you think you may be a victim of teen dating violence, you can call us at 719-275-2429 for free and confidential help.
What is dating violence and who does it happen to?
Teen dating violence (also known as “intimate partner violence or IPV”) includes physical, psychological or sexual abuse; harassment; or stalking of any person ages 12 to 18 in the context of a past or present romantic or consensual relationship.
Always remember that dating violence can happen to anyone regardless of their age, financial status, race, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, or background. In other words, it can happen to anyone.
What does teen dating violence look like?
**You will notice that teen dating violence contains many of the same markers as domestic violence. The difference in terms (teen dating violence and domestic violence) is based on age and relationship status:
Physical – hitting, slapping, kicking, shoving, biting, strangling (sometimes called choking), cutting, physically restraining, hitting walls or doors, threatening with a weapon, scaring you by driving recklessly, forcing drugs, etc.
Emotional and Verbal – name-calling, put-downs, intimidating or threats of harm, isolating from friends or family, demanding all time be spent together, intense jealousy, monitoring your schedule, using guilt, manipulating, dismissing, or invalidating your feelings or needs, treating you like property, insisting you ask for permission, humiliating you in public or private.
Digital – monitoring your technology, using GPS to track you, constant texting, coercion for partner to send explicit images or texts, demanding passwords for email or SM, threatening over the phone or SM
Sexual - forcing or manipulating you into having sex/sexual contact, holding you down during sex, choking or restraining during sex without consent, insulting you in sexual ways, hurting with weapons or objects during sex, involving other people in sex acts without consent, forcing you to watch or make porn.
Stalking – unwanted following or watching you, unwanted approaching or showing up places (work, home, work), GPS tracking, sneaking into your car or home, spying on or recording you, unwanted phone calls including hang-ups and voice messages, unwanted texts, emails SM or photos, unwanted gifts, cards, letters, presents.
Financial – taking your money, not allowing you to spend money on certain things, not allowing you to have a job.
If you think you may be a victim of teen dating violence, you can call us at 719-275-2429 for free and confidential help.