The National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline is 1.866.331.9474
Violence also frequently happens in teen relationships, with 20% of high school students reporting abuse by a dating partner. Types of abuse include physical, sexual, emotional and verbal abuse. Dating violence is linked to earlier sexual activity and teenage pregnancy. Consider these quick facts:
1 in 5 female high school students reports being physically and/or sexually abused by a dating partner.7
High school girls who reported experiencing dating violence were 4 to 6 times more likely to have ever been pregnant than peers who had not experienced dating violence.11
Girls who were abused were 8 to 9 times more likely to have tried to commit suicide.13
Girls who experience dating violence are also at a higher risk for other risky behaviors such as unhealthy dieting behaviors and substance use.14
8% of boys and 9% of girls have been to the emergency room due to an injury caused by a dating partner.15
1 in 3 girls who have been in a serious relationship say they've been concerned about being physically hurtby their partner. 7
Both teen boys and teen girls who experienced physical dating violence within the past year were almost 3 times as likely to be sexually active as their peers who had not experienced physical dating violence.11
Girls and women between the ages of 16 and 24 are the most vulnerable to domestic violence, experiencing the highest per capita rates of non-fatal intimate partner violence.8
To learn more about healthy dating relationships and teen domestic violence, check out these resources:
Quizzes (Healthy Relationships Quiz, Am I a Good Boyfriend/Girlfriend? Quiz and more, on the Love is Respect Website)
Check out this public service announcement by PSA contest winner, Ashley Hoyle. Ask yourself: Have you ever seen or been involved in situations like this before?
