What is Dating Violence?

Dating violence is also the use of physical, sexual, emotional or economic abuse to control an intimate partner. There are similarities and differences between adult and teenage domestic violence.

Similarities to Violence in Adult Relationships

* Power and control issues are at the root of the violence.

* One in five girls experience physical or sexual violence in a relationship while they are in high school.

* Abuse tends to escalate over time, becoming more frequent and more severe.

* Types of abusive behaviors are the same: intimidation, isolation, emotional abuse, economic abuse, sexual abuse, threats and physical violence.

* Emotional effects on victims are similar: fear, confusion, depression, withdrawal from friends/family, isolation, exhaustion, decreased work/school attendance and or performance, low self esteem, etc.

Unique Aspects of Violence in Teen Relationships

* The victim is unable to avoid the abuser because they attend the same school.

* Many teens resist seeking help from their parents and other adults. Teens are typically wanting and needing more independence and are seeking to solve problems themselves. They also fear, rightly or wrongly, that if they told of the abuse, their parents would limit their independence and control future decisions about their lives.

* Adults have legal options for protection which may be unavailable to teens or possible only if their parents or guardians are involved in the action. This is a barrier for teens who resist telling their parents about the abuse.

* Relationships which are perceived as significant by teens may be much shorter than adult relationships; however they may be experienced as intensely as adult relationships.

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