According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teen dating violence affects millions of teens in the U.S. each year. It occurs between two people in a close relationship and may include:
- Physical violence, like hitting, kicking, or pushing
- Sexual violence, such as forcing a partner to take part in a sex act
- Psychological abuse, like name-calling, insulting, threatening
- Stalking, such as repeatedly making unwanted or threatening phone calls or messages, showing up unwanted
- Teen dating violence can happen in person or electronically including repeated texting or posting sexual pictures of a partner online without their permission
Youth who are victims of teen dating violence are more likely to:
- Experience depression and anxiety symptoms
- Engage in unhealthy behaviors, like using tobacco, drugs, and alcohol
- Think about suicide
Talk to Someone. You are not alone. If you are in immediate danger, call or text to 9-1-1.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | SAMHSA Call or text the number 988
Teen Lifeline Call or text 602-248-8336
Key Stats:
- Approximately 10% of adolescents across the U.S. report being the victim of physical dating violence annually.
- High school students who witness, experience or perpetrate physical violence in a dating relationship are more likely to use drugs and alcohol, are at greater risk of suicide and are much more likely to carry patterns of abuse into future relationships; and
- Only 9% of teen victims report seeking help after their victimization experience.
- By educating young people about red flags and root causes of violence, building skills for healthy relationships and changing attitudes that support violence, we recognize that teen dating violence can be prevented; and
- Nearly half of teens who experience dating violence report that incidents of abuse took place in a school building or on school grounds.