Teen Dating Violence

According to several national studies, teen dating violence is disturbingly common.

Approximately 33% of teenagers will experience some degree of dating violence.
An estimated one in five female high school students experience physical or sexual abuse by a dating partner.
Nearly 80% of teenage girls who are abused remain in the relationship.
30% of all teenage girls who are killed are killed by a boyfriend or former boyfriend.

For teens, relationship abuse often takes the form of extreme possessiveness and jealousy. Abusers try to manipulate their dating partners by making all of the decisions, putting them down in front of friends, threatening to kill themselves, stalking them, or forcing them to have sex.

Unfortunately, parents frequently fail to recognize the signs that their teen is in trouble. If you’re concerned about your teen, review the warning signs below. If you suspect your teen may be in trouble and want to learn about what you can do to help your child and keep her/him safe, contact your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential counseling, information or referrals.

Warning signs of teen relationship abuse

Does he/she have unexplained bruises, scratches or injuries?
Does the teen seem afraid of his/her boyfriend or girlfriend?
Does the boyfriend or girlfriend seem to try to control the teen’s behavior, making all of the decisions, checking on his or her behavior, demanding to know who the teen has been with, and acting jealous and possessive?
Does the boyfriend or girlfriend lash out, criticize or insult the teen?
Does the teen apologize for the boyfriend’s or girlfriend’s behavior? Has the teen casually mentioned the boyfriend’s or girlfriend’s temper or violent behavior, but then laugh it off as a joke?
Have you seen the boyfriend or girlfriend be abusive toward other people or things?
Does the teen seem to be giving up activities or hobbies that were once important? Has he/she lost interest in school or other activities?
Has the teen’s appearance or behavior suddenly changed?
Has the teen stopped spending time with friends and family?
Has the teen’s mood or personality changed? Is he/she becoming anxious or depressed, acting out or being secretive? Is the teen avoiding eye contact, having crying jags or getting hysterical?
Has the teen recently started using alcohol or drugs?

Source: National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center