Statistics
Teen dating violence can happen to anyone regardless of gender, race, or sexual orientation. People of all genders are capable of perpetrating violence. Studies from the CDC show:
- About 1 in 12 teens have experienced physical dating violence.
- About 1 in 10 teens have experienced sexual dating violence.
- Females Report higher rates of physical and sexual dating violence; however, teens of all genders are affected.
Teens who identify as LGBTQ+ experience higher rates of physical and sexual dating violence, often due to stigma, discrimination, and barriers to support.
Risk Factors
In addition to the populations mentioned above, some teens are at increased risk of experiencing dating violence. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia identifies these risk factors as:
- Teens who have witnessed forms of violence at home, in their community, or among peers
- Teens in unhealthy or controlling relationships
- Teens who have experienced physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal abuse in the past
- Teens who use substances such as alcohol, tobacco, or drugs
Forms Of Violence
Teen dating violence is not limited to physical harm. Teen dating violence can include any of the following according to the American Psychological Association:
- Physical– hitting, punching, slapping, shoving, kicking, or other physical force intended to cause harm
- Emotional – verbal and nonverbal behaviors meant to harm or control a partner including threats, yelling, spreading rumors, isolation intimidation, bullying (in person or online), stalking, manipulation, or controlling behavior
- Sexual– unwanted touching or kissing, forced sexual acts without consent, or sharing sexual images without consent
Effects
Teen dating violence can have both short- and long-term impacts. According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, survivors may experience:
- Increased risk of depression, or anxiety
- Increased risk of substance use, including drugs, tobacco, or alcohol
- Increased risk of suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts
- Increased risk of developing an eating disorder
- Increased risk of pregnancy
- Increased risk of sexually transmitted infections
- Increased likelihood of experiencing violence again later in life
- Reduced intimacy in future relationships
What You Can Do to Help Your Teen
Adults play an important role in supporting teens and helping prevent dating violence. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center recommends:
- Modeling healthy, respectful relationships at home
- Teaching teens about healthy relationships, including trust, communication, safety, respect, and boundaries
- Believing and supporting survivors
- Helping teens manage emotions in healthy ways
- Connecting teens to mental health support, such as therapy, when needed
Pillars Community Health’s therapists are here to support teens as they navigate mental health concerns and difficult experiences. Our confidential domestic violence hotline is available 24/7 to provide support and resources. We also offer shelter, free case management, and legal and medical advocacy for survivors fleeing violence.
No teen should have to experience violence of any kind. Pillars Community Health is here to help.