Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Dating violence can take place in person, online, or through technology. It is a type of intimate partner violence that can include the following types of behavior 1 :. Teen dating violence profoundly impacts lifelong health, opportunity, and wellbeing. Unhealthy relationships can start early and last a lifetime.
The good news is violence is preventable, and we can all help young people grow up violence-free. Teens often think some behaviors, like teasing and name-calling, are a "normal" part of a relationship.
However, these behaviors can become abusive and develop into serious forms of violence. Many teens do not report unhealthy behaviors because they are afraid to tell family and friends. Teen dating violence is common. Some teens are at greater risk than others. Female students experienced higher rates of physical and sexual dating violence than male students. Students who identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer LGBTQ or those who were unsure of their gender identity experienced higher rates of physical and sexual dating violence compared to students who identified as heterosexual.
Unhealthy, abusive, or violent relationships can have short-and long-term negative effects on a developing teen. Youth who are victims of teen dating violence are more likely to: 5 6 7.
Violence in an adolescent relationship sets the stage for future relationship problems. For example, youth who are victims of dating violence in high school are at higher risk for victimization during college. Supporting healthy, nonviolent relationships could reduce TDV and prevent its harmful, long-lasting effects on individuals, their families, and their communities.
