Teen dating violence is more common than many people think. According to the CDC, one in three teens (male and female) in the U.S. will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse by someone they are in a relationship with before they become adults. Nearly half (43%) of college women report experiencing violent and abusive dating behaviors.
Unhealthy, abusive, or violent relationships can set the stage for intimate partner violence and/or victimization throughout life.
Violent Behaviors
Teens often think some behaviors, like teasing and name-calling, are a “normal” part of a relationship—but these behaviors can become abusive and develop into serious forms of violence.
- Verbal and non-verbal communication with the intent to harm another person mentally or emotionally and/or exert control over another person is psychological aggression.
- Physical violence is when a person hurts or tries to hurt a partner by hitting, kicking, or using another type of physical force.
- Forcing or attempting to force a partner to take part in a sex act, sexual touching, or sexting without consent is sexual violence.
- Stalking is a pattern of repeated, unwanted attention and contact by a partner that causes fear or concern for one’s own safety or the safety of someone close to the victim.
Everybody deserves to be in a healthy relationship free from violence. Drawing the line between unhealthy and abusive can be hard. If you think your relationship is going in the wrong direction, check out the warning signs of abuse.
Walk-In Teen Clinic
In addition to Behavioral Health Services, Lake Powell Medical Center has a confidential Walk-In Teen Clinic every 3rd Wednesday from 2:30-5:30pm. Learn more about the Walk-In Teen Clinic and Like Us to receive teen clinic alerts on Facebook.
What Can You Do?
Many teens do not report unhealthy behaviors because they are afraid to tell family and friends.
- Call 1-866-331-9474 or chat at Loveisrespect.org. Love is Respect advocates are trained on issues related to dating abuse and healthy relationships, as well as crisis intervention. (1-866-331-8453 TTY for Deaf/hard of hearing individuals)
- Learn about healthy and unhealthy relationship behaviors at LoveIsRespect.org
