February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM). This month gives us a powerful opportunity to shine a light on unhealthy behaviors that many teens silently endure in relationships. As well as an opportunity to promote healthy, respectful connections.
What is Teen Dating Violence?
Teen dating violence (TDV) is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to gain power and control over another within a romantic or dating relationship. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), TDV can include physical, emotional, sexual, or digital abuse, and it does not only happen in person.
Many teens may experience abuse through texting, social media, or other online platforms. This can look like controlling who someone talks to, constant monitoring of their location or phone, threats, humiliation, unwanted sexual pressure, or physical harm. Since teens are still developing emotionally and socially, they may not recognize these behaviors as abusive.
Public perception of teen dating violence often differs significantly from reality. Many people believe that dating violence only occurs between older teens or in serious long-term relationships. Other people think that dating violence only includes physical harm. In reality, TDV can begin at any age, occur in short term relationships, and often involves emotional and digital abuse. TDV is a serious issue as it can have serious, long-lasting effects on mental health, academic performance, and future relationships.
Statistics:
Teen dating violence is more common than many people realize, and the impact can be long lasting. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 3 U.S. teens in the United States will experience some form of dating abuse before reaching adulthood (CDC, 2025). Among high school students who dated in the past year, 1 in 12 experienced physical dating violence, while 1 in 10 experienced sexual dating violence (CDC, 2013).
According to The Women’s Safe House, female students report higher rates of dating violence than male students and LGBTQIA+ youth experience dating violence at higher rates than their heterosexual peers. The data shows that 18% of LGBTQ youth reported experiencing physical dating violence and 16% reported sexual dating violence, compared to 7% physical and 8% sexual dating violence among non-LGBTQ youth (The Women’s Safe House, n.d).
These realities underscore the urgent need for prevention efforts, education, and resources that promote healthy relationships and help protect teens from harm.
Different Types of Harmful Behavior:
- Physical Violence— hurting or trying to hurt a partner by hitting, kicking, or using physical force.
- Sexual violence — forcing or attempting to force a partner into sexual activities or sexual touching without consent. This can also include non-physical sexual behaviors (like sharing sexual images without consent).
- Psychological aggression — using verbal or non-verbal communication to harm a partner mentally or emotionally or to exert control.
Why does Awareness Matter?
Awareness allows teens and adults to:
- Identify red flags such as
- Constant accusations
- Checking phones
- Discouraging you
- Causing feelings of confusion and insecurity
- Identify green flags such as
- Wants and needs are supported
- Ability to say “no” without fear
- Independence is valued
- Stay safe
Get Involved:
A meaningful way to get involved is to start by educating yourself and others using evidence-based resources. Leading by example through respectful communication helps set a positive standard for teens. By being present and willing to listen, you may become a trusted and safe person for someone who needs support.
Resources:
- Love Is Respect offers interactive quizzes, safety planning, and support.
- Hotline: CALL 1-866-331-9474 or TEXT LOVEIS to 22522
- The Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) offers downloadable materials and activities.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
- The Women’s Safe House Hotline: (314)772-4535
Additional Resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/intimate-partner-violence/php/datingmatters/index.html
https://youth.gov/youth-topics/teen-dating-violence/resources
https://www.cdc.gov/intimate-partner-violence/about/about-teen-dating-violence.html
