Teen dating violence is a type of intimate partner violence that occurs between two people in a close relationship.
It includes four types of behavior:
Physical violence is when a person hurts or tries to hurt a partner by hitting, kicking or using another type of physical force.
Sexual violence is forcing or attempting to force a partner to take part in a sex act, sexual touching or a non-physical sexual event (e.g., sexting) when the partner does not or cannot consent.
Psychological aggression is the use of verbal and non-verbal communication with the intent to harm another person mentally or emotionally and/or exert control over another person.
Stalking is a pattern of repeated, unwanted attention and contact by a partner that causes fear or concern for one’s own safety or the safety of someone close to the victim.
Dating violence can take place in person or electronically, such as repeated texting or posting sexual pictures of a partner online without consent. Unhealthy relationships can start early and last a lifetime.
Teens often think some behaviors, like teasing and name-calling, are a “normal” part of a relationship—but these behaviors can become abusive and develop into serious forms of violence. However, many teens do not report unhealthy behaviors because they are afraid to tell family and friends.
How big is the problem?
It affects millions of teens in the U.S. each year. Data from the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey and the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey indicate that:
Nearly 1 in 11 female and approximately 1 in 15 male high school students report having experienced physical dating violence in the last year.
About 1 in 9 female and 1 in 36 male high school students report having experienced sexual dating violence in the last year.
26% of women and 15% of men who were victims of contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime first experienced these or other forms of violence by that partner before age 18.
Teen dating violence is not shared equally across all groups—sexual minority groups are disproportionately affected by all forms of violence, and some racial/ethnic minority groups are disproportionately affected by many types of violence.
What are the consequences?
Unhealthy, abusive, or violent relationships can have severe consequences and short-and long-term negative effects on a developing teen. For instance, youth who are victims of teen dating violence are more likely to:
Experience symptoms of depression and anxiety
Engage in unhealthy behaviors, like using tobacco, drugs, and alcohol
Exhibit antisocial behaviors, like lying, theft, bullying or hitting
Think about suicide
Violence in an adolescent relationship sets the stage for problems in future relationships, including intimate partner violence and sexual violence perpetration and/or victimization throughout life. For instance, youth who are victims of dating violence in high school are at higher risk for victimization during college.
Stop teen dating violence before it starts
Supporting the development of healthy, respectful, and nonviolent relationships have the potential to reduce the occurrence of teen dating violence and prevent its harmful and long-lasting effects on individuals, their families and the communities where they live. During the pre-teen and teen years, it is critical for youth to begin to learn the skills needed—such as effectively managing feelings and using healthy communication— to create and foster healthy relationships.
Teach safe and healthy relationship skills
Engage influential adults and peers
Disrupt the developmental pathways toward partner violence
Create protective environments
Strengthen economic support for families
Support survivors to increase safety and lessen harm
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov
