Dating violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors that is used to exert power and control over someone that a person is dating.
How is dating violence a pattern of behavior?
Dating violence typically involves a series of abusive behaviors over a course of time. Each relationship is different, but the one thing that is most common to an abusive dating relationship is that the violence increases over time and becomes more dangerous for the victim.
How do power and control figure into dating violence?
Power and control figure prominently into dating violence. In a teen dating relationship, the abuser uses violence to gain power and control over the partner. This abuse can be physical, emotional, verbal or sexual.
How common is dating violence, and who are the victims?
Dating abuse does not discriminate. As many as one in four dating couples report some type of violence in their relationship. Abuse crosses gender, sexual identity, economic status, ethnicity or religious preference. As a young adult, you might experience violence or other unhealthy behaviors in your dating relationship. This relationship might be serious or casual, monogamous or not, long-lasting or short-term.
Why is teen dating violence often hidden?
Violence in teen relationships is typically hidden, because teens are inexperienced when it comes to dating relationships, unfamiliar with what to expect. Some teens are pressured by their peers to act violently in a relationship. Many teens want independence from their parents, and still others have romanticized views of love and think that abuse is part of that idea.
What are early warning signs that your relationship is likely to become abusive?
Some of the early warning signs include extreme jealousy and controlling behavior. Unpredictable mood swings, alcohol and drug use, along with explosive anger are other signs. If you feel isolated from family and friends, if your partner has a history of abuse or threatens violence, it is time to end the relationship and seek help.
If you are an adult in contact with a teen, look for common clues that indicate the teen is experiencing dating violence. Physical signs of injury, failing grades, changes in mood or personality and isolation are a few clues. If you notice these changes and others, it is time to talk and to get help for the victim.
