Teen dating violence isn’t an argument every once in a while or a bad mood after a bad day; it is a pattern of harmful, controlling behavior that someone uses against their partner.
No matter what the cause, dating violence is all about power and control. Remember that it may not always involve physical abuse. Do not overlook verbal, emotional/mental, or sexual abuse. Keep in mind that the threat of violence is always present. While females are statistically at greater risk than males to become victims of dating violence, females can and do become abusers, too.
Dating violence can happen to anyone, at any age, no matter what race or religion they are, and no matter what their level of education or economic background. Teen dating violence occurs in a relationship in which one or both partners are between 13-20 years of age. Dating violence happens in opposite sex relationships as well as same sex relationships.
Any repeated actual or threatened acts to abuse a dating partner in any of way is teen dating violence and constitutes an unhealthy relationship.
If you or someone you know is in an unhealthy relationship, get help. Call our 24-hour crisis hotline at 850.863.4777.