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Teen-Dating Violence

Dating violence is a pattern of coercive behaviors that is used by one person to gain power and control over another. Dating violence crosses all racial, economic and social lines.

Teenagers and/or adolescents often experience violence in dating relationships. Statistics show that 1 in 10 teenagers reports being a victim of physical violence in a dating relationship. Unfortunately teens are more likely than adults to be confused about appropriate behavior in their intimate relationships, often minimizing physical and emotional violence, and confusing jealousy and possessiveness with expressions of love. Research shows that females aged 16-19 are four times more likely than the general population to be victims of rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault. Dating violence and sexual assault are impacting our youth at alarming rates.

Teen-Dating Statistics

  • One in ten high school students has been or will be involved in an abusive relationship.
  • More than one in four teenage girls in a relationship (26%) report enduring repeated verbal abuse.
  • Eighty percent of teens regard verbal abuse as a “serious issue” for their age group.
  • Thirteen percent of teenage girls who said they have been in a relationship, report being physically hurt or hit.
  • Forty percent of teenage girls ages 14 to 17 say they know a peer who has been hit or received severe injuries by a boyfriend.
  • Teen-dating violence most often takes place in the home of one of the partners.
  • One of five college females will experience some form of dating violence.
  • Nearly one in five teenage girls who have been in a relationship said a boyfriend threatened violence or self-harm if presented with a break-up.
  • Four out of five teen rape victims are assaulted by someone they know.
  • As many as 80 percent of all sexual assaults involve acquaintances, co-workers, friends or family members.












The information found on this site is not to replace the one-on-one advocacy and services HAVEN provides. The visitor agrees not to hold HAVEN From Domestic Violence responsible for any damages that might result from using information provided on this site.

If you are in danger, call 911 immediately.

HAVEN is a United Way Agency

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