Teen Dating Violence Facts

A shocking number of teenage girls report that they are or have been controlled by their boyfriend, an epidemic that appears to be occurring to tweens as young as 11 years old. In fact, studies indicate that 1 in 3 high school students report having been involved in an abusive relationship, of which: 32% experienced emotional abuse and 12% reported being a victim of physical violence within the past 18 months (Halpern, Oslak, Young, Martin, & Kupper, 2001).

Teen Dating Violence Defined by Violence Against Women Online Resources

Teen dating violence, also referred to as dating violence or teen intimate partner violence, is violence committed by a person who is in, wants to be in or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim. It occurs in both opposite- and same-sex relationships, between non-cohabitating, and sometimes cohabitating, partners. Dating violence which occurs between the ages of 11 and 14 is often referred to as "tween" dating violence. Teen dating violence includes physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.

A Hidden Crime. According to (Click here to continue reading this article: Teen Dating Violence Facts - Milwaukee Domestic Violence & Abuse | Examiner.com)

Teens in abusive relationships: February awareness campaign

The teenage years are especially challenging and difficult. Teens are bombarded with expectations and pressures from parents, peers, teachers, employers, and dating partners but have yet acquired the tools to manage these demands. Unfortunately, we know that these “tools” can only learned through supportive guidance, experience, and trial and error.

Teens report feeling the most pressure from dating relationships. Sadly, statistics indicate that many teens experience unhealthy and abusive relationships. A study conducted by SafeYouth.org, found that as many as 96% of teenagers reported that a partner had either emotionally or psychologically abused them. Another study (click here to continue reading this article: Teens in abusive relationships: February awareness campaign - Milwaukee Domestic Violence & Abuse).