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Teen dating violence is a pattern of abusive behavior exhibited by one or both teenagers in a dating relationship. The behavior includes, but is not limited to, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse
Although according to a single poll 40% of teenagers in the United States claim to know somebody that is in an abusive relationship most parents do not recognize teen dating violence as a significant issue.
While there are many similarities between dating violence amongst teens and amongst adults, adults there are also some differences:
Teens are much more likely than adults to become isolated from their peers as the result of controlling behavior by their boyfriend/girlfriend; and For many teens the abusive relationship may be their first dating experience and have never had a "normal" dating experience with which to compare it.
Some types of abuse:
- Physical abuse - hitting/punching, kicking, slapping, biting, shoving, throwing objects, restraining another, or preventing them from leaving a room or residence;
- Emotional abuse and verbal abuse - name calling; controlling, humiliating or jealous behaviors humiliation; attempts to undermine self-esteem;
- Sexual abuse - coerced or forced sex;
- Threats - threatening violence, or threatening to leave the relationship;
- Isolation - attempts to prevent partner from spending time with others in order to isolate them from friends and family;
- Harassment - repeated, unwanted and/or excessive phone calls, text messages or other communication.
- Stalking -- following and/or surveiling a would-be, current, or former partner.
Warning signs and traits of abusive relationships:
- History of legal or discipline problems
- Blames partner for his/her anger
- Serious drug or alcohol use
- History of violent behavior
- Threatens others regularly
- Insults or calls partner names
- Trouble controlling feelings like anger
- Tells partner what to wear, what to do or how to act
- Threatens or intimidates in order to get their way
- Prevents partner from spending time with their friends or family
Legal Action:
- In 2006 Idaho Senator Mike Crapo authored legislation declaring the first week in February as National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Week. For 2009, National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week is February 2 - 6, 2009.
- On July 19, 2007 Texas Governor Rick Perry signed HB 121 requiring all school districts in Texas to adopt formal policies regarding Teen Dating Violence. The law was prompted by the murders of high school students Jennifer Ann Crecente and Ortalla Mosley.
- At the 2008 Summer Meeting of the National Association of Attorneys General, Attorneys General from across the nation passed a resolution encouraging schools to develop teen dating violence awareness curriculum. It was inspired by the death of Lindsay Ann Burke, a 23-year-old Rhode Islander murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 2005.
- On July 2, 2008 Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed legislation giving dating violence victims the same rights under the law as domestic abuse victims. The new law is named for Tiffany Barwick, 19, and friend, Michael Ruschak, 22, who were murdered by Barwick's ex-boyfriend Andrew Allred.
- On September 18, 2008 Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott announced that his office is helping fund a National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline campaign to raise awareness of unhealthy dating behaviors and signs of emotional and physical abuse. Wallet cards with warning signs are available to schools and non-profit organizations for no charge through http://www.JenniferAnn.org Jennifer Ann's Group.
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