Teen dating violence is common. Twenty-six percent of women and 15% of men who were victims of intimate partner violence reported that their first experience was before age 18, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Youth Risk Behavior Survey and the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey. You may be asking yourself a few questions after hearing that. Read below for answers/explanations for recognizing, preventing, and reporting teen dating violence.

What are the signs of teen dating violence?

There are no clear cut signs to look out for. Each relationship is different, however, there are common red flags that you can look out for as written by Mary Cunningham:

• Using insults, intimidation, or humiliation
• Extreme jealousy, insecurity, or controlling behavior
• Isolation from friends and family
• Unwanted sexual contact of any kind
• Explosive temper or unusual moodiness
• Constantly monitoring social media activities or location
• Invasions of privacy; showing up unannounced
• Leaving unwanted items, gifts, or flowers
• Abusing alcohol or drugs
• Threatening or causing physical violence; scratches, bruises

How do I report teen dating violence or get help?

If you or someone you know is experiencing teen dating violence: You are not alone. There are resources and help available for you. These resources and more can be found at Teendatingviolence.com

• Seek help from a guidance counselor or a therapist.
• Contact a trusted adult such as a parent, teacher, coach, etc.
• Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE(7233)

How can I help prevent teen dating violence?

There is no 100% effective prevention strategy for teen dating violence. An article by The LA Trust states that being aware of the signs and where to get help is key to prevention and support. This article outlines a few strategies to this below:

• Educate yourself on healthy relationships, healthy communication, consent, and healthy boundaries.
• Be safe and supportive of your friends where they can feel comfortable talking about their experiences or concerns.
• Understand what physical and emotional abuse is.

Article written by Baileigh Hartley, LMSW

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 22). About Teen Dating Violence. Intimate Partner Violence Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/intimate-partner-violence/about/about-teen-dating-violence.html

Cunningham, M. (2022, February 19). 10 Warning Signs of Teen Dating Violence. College of Public Health. https://publichealth.gmu.edu/news/2022-02/10-warning-signs-teen-dating-violence

Signs of Teen Dating Violence. (n.d.). Teen Dating Violence Awareness. https://www.teendvmonth.org/resources/signs-teen-dating-violence/

The L.A. Trust for Children’s Health. (2023, February 23). The L.A. Trust for Children’s Health. The L.A. Trust for Children’s Health. https://www.thelatrust.org/articles/5-strategies-for-empowering-teens-to-prevent-dating-violence