Teen Dating Violence: What Every Teen and Parent Should Know
Navigating relationships as a teen can be both exciting and overwhelming. While romance often comes with butterflies and stolen glances, it should never include fear, control, or harm. Unfortunately, 1 in 3 U.S. teens experiences Teen Dating Violence (TDV)—making it more common than many realize.
What is Teen Dating Violence (TDV)?
TDV refers to any pattern of abuse—physical, emotional, sexual, or digital—used to control a partner. It can take many forms, including:
● Physical abuse – Hitting, kicking, shoving, or any physical harm.
● Emotional abuse – Insults, threats, manipulation, or making you feel worthless.
● Sexual abuse – Forcing or pressuring someone into sexual activity.
● Digital abuse – Controlling social media, sending threats via text, or spreading rumors online.
Why is TDV a Serious Issue?
Teen dating violence can have lasting negative effects on both the victim and the abuser, including:
✅ Depression and anxiety
✅ Low self-esteem
✅ Struggles in school
✅ Difficulty forming healthy relationships in the future
✅ In severe cases, self-harm or suicidal thoughts
Red Flags: How to Recognize an Unhealthy Relationship
If something feels off in your relationship, trust your gut. Here are some warning signs:
🚩 Jealousy & Possessiveness – Your partner constantly checks your phone, isolates you from friends, or gets upset when you talk to others.
🚩 Pressure & Manipulation – They guilt-trip you, make threats, or pressure you into things you're uncomfortable with.
🚩 Toxic Communication – Every conversation turns into an argument, they shut you down, or you feel like you have to "walk on eggshells" around them.
🚩 Your Instincts Say Something’s Wrong – If you're feeling uneasy but afraid to leave, that's a red flag.
What to Do If You’re Experiencing TDV
📞 Get Help:
● Text "LOVEIS" to 22522 for confidential support. ● Chat online at loveisrespect.org. ● Teen Line
● Friend to Friend 24/7 crisis line (910) 947-3333
● If you’re in immediate danger, call 911.
💙 You’re Not Alone: Support is available, and people care about you.
How to Prevent Teen Dating Violence
✅ Educate Yourself – Learn the signs of TDV and how to build healthy relationships.
✅ Talk to Friends & Family – Keep loved ones in the loop about your relationship.
✅ Set Boundaries – Communicate your needs and walk away if they aren’t respected.
✅ Trust Your Gut – If something feels wrong, it probably is. Never ignore your instincts.
You Deserve a Healthy Relationship
Love should make you feel safe, respected, and valued—never scared or controlled. If you or someone you know is experiencing TDV, reach out for support.
💡 Resources for teens and parents:
❖ loveisrespect.org.
❖ www.Womenslaw.org - easy to understand legal information about getting out of an abusive relationship.
❖ 100 conversations, https://100conversations.org, is a youth developed guide of 100 conversations adults can start on topics ranging from boundries to bullying.
❖ Don’t Let Yourself, www.dont let yourself.org, provides information and resources around identifying dating abuse and a free video-based curriculum.
❖ Break the Cycle, www.breakthecycle.org, provides research about TDV and warning signs.
❖ Don’t Let Yourself, www.dont let yourself.org, provides information and resources around identifying dating abuse and a free video-based curriculum.
