About Teen Dating Violence
Relationship abuse is a serious problem, and it's not just an adult problem. Teens experience abuse in their relationships, too. In fact, teens and young adults are often the most at risk for experiencing abuse in their dating relationships. Studies show that 1/3 teen relationships are abusive and the women and girls ages 16-24 are at the highest risk for experiencing abuse in an intimate relationship. Teen dating abuse can happen to anyone regardless of their age, race, religion, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or physical ability.
Are you are concerned about your own relationship? Someone else's? Do you just want to be more informed? Whatever your motivation, educating yourself about the issue is the first step to ending teen dating violence. Download our Teen Dating Abuse booklet: "Jealousy Ain't Love" and for immediate assistance call the Catalyst 24-Hotline at 1.800.895.8476.
Know the Facts
Teen Dating Abuse can be defined as: A pattern of abusive behaviors that are used to gain power and control over a current or former dating partner. The abuser may use many different abusive actions and behaviors such as threats of or actual use of verbal, emotional, physical, or sexual abuse to control the victim.
When the abuse is physical or sexual, it can be easy to identify. Emotional abuse is much harder to recognize, but no less damaging. Relationship abuse often starts as emotional or verbal abuse and can quickly escalate into physical or sexual violence.
