Teens and Youth

What is teen dating violence?

Teen dating violence is physical, sexual, psychological, or emotional violence within a dating relationship, including stalking. It can occur in person or electronically, and might occur between a current or former dating partner. Teen dating violence is generally defined at occurring in individuals between 12-19 years old.

Healthy Relationships

In a healthy relationship, you and your partner:

  • Respect each other and your individuality
  • Both feel safe being open and honest
  • Support each other and each other’s choices even when you disagree
  • Have equal say in the relationship and respect each other’s boundaries.
  • Understand that both of you have lives outside of the relationship, and respect that you need to study or hang out with friends or family.
  • Can communicate your feelings without being afraid of negative consequences

Unhealthy Relationships

In an unhealthy relationship:

  • You may fight frequently about problems or not talk about them at all
  • One or both of you is not considerate of the other’s feelings
  • There is often a lack of trust
  • One or both of you may be dishonest
  • One or both partners may feel like their desires and choices are more important
  • You may only spend time with your partner, ignoring other friends and activities you used to enjoy

Abusive Relationships

  • Some warning signs of an abusive relationship include:
  • Checking your cell phone or email without permission
  • Constantly putting you down
  • Extreme jealousy or insecurity
  • Explosive temper
  • Isolating you from family or friends
  • Making false accusations
  • Mood swings
  • Physically hurting you in any way
  • Possessiveness
  • Telling you what to do
  • Pressuring or forcing you to have sex

For more information or to chat online with a support person, visit www.loveisrespect.org

Or to text with a support person, text loveis to 22522

For parents and friends

Teen dating violence often is hidden because teenagers typically:

  • are inexperienced with dating relationships
  • are pressured by peers to have relationships
  • want independence from parents
  • have “romantic” views of love

 

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

For more information, visit Love is Respect at www.loveisrespect.org

For local resources and support, call our crisis helpline at 989-755-0411 or toll-free at 888-399-8385

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