Teen Violence

Teenagers often experience violence in dating relationships. Statistics show that one in three teenagers has experienced violence in a dating relationship. In dating violence, one partner tries to maintain power and control over the other through abuse. Dating violence crosses all racial, economic and social lines. Most victims are young women, who are also at greater risk for serious injury. Young women need a dating safety plan.

Teen dating violence often is hidden because teenagers typically:

• are inexperienced with dating relationships.
• are pressured by peers to act violently.
• want independence from parents.
• have "romantic" views of love.

Teen dating violence is influenced by how teenagers look at themselves and others. Young men may believe:

• they have the right to "control" their female partners in any way necessary.
• "masculinity" is physical aggressiveness they "possess" their partner.
• they should demand intimacy.
• they may lose respect if they are attentive and supportive toward their girlfriends.

Young women may believe:

• they are responsible for solving problems in their relationships their boyfriend's jealousy,
• possessiveness and even physical abuse, is "romantic."
• abuse is "normal" because their friends are also being abused.
• there is no one to ask for help.

Teenagers can choose better relationships when they learn to identify the early warning signs of an abusive relationship, understand that they have choices, and believe they are valuable people who deserve to be treated with respect.

Early warning signs that your date may eventually become abusive:

• Extreme jealousy Controlling behavior Quick involvement
• Unpredictable mood swings Alcohol and drug use
• Explosive anger Isolates you from friends and family
• Uses force during an argument Shows hypersensitivity
• Believes in rigid sex roles
• Blames others for his problems or feelings
• Cruel to animals or children
• Verbally abusive Abused former partners
• Threatens violence

Common clues that indicate a teenager may be experiencing dating violence:

• Physical signs of injury
• Truancy,
• dropping out of school
• Failing grades
• Indecision
• Changes in mood or personality
• Use of drugs/alcohol
• Pregnancy
• Emotional outburst
• Isolation

Help is available for teenagers

If you are a teenager involved in an abusive relationship, you need to remember that no one deserves to be abused or threatened. Remember you cannot change your batterer, and in time the violence will get worse. You need to take care of yourself. Talk to a trusted adult or locate a shelter or agency serving victims of domestic abuse in your community. Together, you can talk about making a plan to end the relationship and remain safe. Call the National Domestic Violence 24-hour hotline, 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

All information on this page courtesy of ACADV.org