Teen Dating

Many do not know that 1 in 3 US teens have been a victim of dating violence and 1 in 3 teens have

committed relationship violence. 9.6% of high school students have been physically injured while dating

and 10.6% of teens have been forced to do sexual acts by a boyfriend or girlfriend. Violent behavior in

dating relationships can begin as early as 12 years of age. Most teens never report this behavior to

anyone.

1 in 11 female and approximately 1 in 15 male high school students report having experienced physical

dating violence in the last year. (Centers of Disease Control)

Youth who experience dating violence are more likely to: perform poorly in school or

not even attend school due to feeling unsafe. They may experience symptoms of depression and anxiety,

engage in unhealthy behaviors like using tobacco, drugs, and alcohol; and contemplate suicide.

We believe the key to decreasing teen dating violence is increasing awareness of and recognizing those

who are at risk to be victims or perpetrators. Below is a list of risk factors.

Risk Factors for Victims

Experience of stressful life events Exposed to harsh parenting

Symptoms of trauma Inconsistent discipline or lack of supervision,

Poverty monitoring and warmth from caring adults

Receive child protective services Have low self-esteem

Exposed to community violence Uses emotional disengagement and

Participates in risky behaviors confrontational blaming as coping strategies

Dates at an early age Exhibits maladaptive or antisocial behaviors

Sexually active before age 16 Aggressive conflict-management styles

Have a friend involved in dating violence Low help-seeking proclivities

Have violent friends

Belief that dating violence is acceptable

Accepts rape myths and violence against women

Dating Violence Informational: Teen Dating Violence

Soror Sharon Scott

National Z-Team Lead

Risk Factors for Perpetrators

Believe that it is acceptable to use threats or violence to get one’s way or to express frustration or anger

Problems managing frustration or anger

Associate with violent peers

Low self-esteem, depression

Low parental supervision/support

Witness violence at home or in the community

Resources

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV);

- Link directly to resources: https://ncadv.org/resources

- Know the Signs: https://ncadv.org/learn-more

National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/

Office on Women’s Health: Find resources specific to individual states:

https://www.womenshealth.gov/relationships-and-safety/get-help/state-resources

Dating Matters Resource Guide: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., DVPI

Test your knowledge with this short quiz.

https://www.funtrivia.com/trivia-quiz/General/A-Domestic-Violence-Quiz-for-Teens-95250.html