Safe Journey

Teens & Dating Violence
Teens are experiencing increasing levels of violence in their dating relationships, but few know the warning signs, and fewer have the capacity to deal with it effectively. A 2008 study by the organization www.loveisrespect.org found that:

  • 40 percent of those between the ages of 11 and 12, report that their friends are victims of verbal abuse in relationships, and nearly one-in-ten (9 percent) say their friends have had sex.
  • One-in-five 13-14 year olds in relationships (20 percent) say they know friends and peers who've been struck in anger (kicked, hit, slapped, or punched) by a boyfriend or girlfriend.
  • Only half of all tweens (51 percent) claim to know the warning signs of a bad/hurtful relationship.
  • Significant numbers of teens (15-18) are experiencing emotional and mental abuse as well as violence when dating; more prevalent among teens who've had sex by 14.

Teen dating violence is often hidden because they are inexperienced at dating relationships, may believe a boyfriend/girlfriend's jealousness or possessiveness (even to the point of violence) means he/she really loves her or him, or perhaps because they are not aware that violence in a relationship is not normal or healthy.

Teens and their friends who need help can take the first step by contacting www.loveisrespect.org, a 24-hour resource that utilizes telephone and web-based interactive technology to reach teens and young adults experiencing dating abuse. The Helpline numbers are: (866) 331-9474 and TTY (866) 331-8453. The peer to peer online individual chat function is available from 4 p.m. to midnight and can be accessed from the website.