Teen relationship abuse

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Teen relationship abuse

Abuse in dating relationships is common among teens, with 33% of teens reporting some kind of abuse and 12% reporting physical abuse.¹

Teen dating abuse, like domestic violence in adults, is a pattern of abusive behavior used to control another person. Teen dating abuse can include emotional, mental, sexual, and physical abuse.

Teen abusers may be overly possessive or jealous. They try to control their dating partners by:

• Making all the decisions.
• Putting them down in front of friends.
• Threatening to kill themselves.
• Stalking them.
• Forcing them to have sex.

Like adult domestic violence, teen relationship abuse affects all types of teens, regardless of their how much money their parents make, what their grades are, how they look or dress, their religion, or their race. Teen relationship abuse occurs in heterosexual, gay, and lesbian relationships.

Unlike adult domestic violence in which women are more often the victim, in teen relationship abuse both boys and girls report abuse about equally. However, boys tend to start the violence more often and to use greater force.²

Teens may not have the experience or maturity to know when they are involved in an abusive relationship. The pattern of abuse is often repeated violence that gets worse over time. Often the abuser quickly apologizes and promises to change.

Relationship abuse not only poses direct dangers for teens but also puts them at risk for other problems. Teens in a violent relationship abuse are more likely to take sexual risks, do poorly in school, and use drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. Girls are at higher risk for pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and suicide attempts.²

If you think a relationship might be abusive, see the Check Your Symptoms section of this topic. There are many resources available for teens, but they must first be willing to talk about the abuse. If you think you or a friend might be in an abusive relationship, talk to your parents or another adult family member, a school counselor or teacher, or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233).

References

Citations

1. Halpern CT, et al. (2001). Partner violence among adolescents in opposite-sex romantic relationships: Findings from the national longitudinal study of adolescent health. American Journal of Public Health, 91(10): 1679–1685.

2. Roberts TA, Klein J (2003). Intimate partner abuse and high-risk behavior in adolescents. Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 157(4): 375–380.

Credits

Last updated:	May 26, 2006
Author:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC
Reviewed By:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine, Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer