Teen Dating Violence

Dating abuse is a pattern of behaviors that someone uses to control a partner, where they go, what they do, who they see, or what they wear. Like any form of abuse, it can be physical, emotional, mental, verbal, or sexual. Dating abuse can happen to anyone. It can go on even after a couple has broken up. It happens in heterosexual and LGBT relationships. Someone of any gender can abuse a partner.

Does Your Partner…

• Act in ways that scare you?
• Get angry or jealous when you talk to or want to do things with other people?
• Put you down, call you names, or criticize you?
• Try to control where you go, what you wear, or what you do?
• Constantly call or text you?
• Blame you if they hurt you or your feelings?
• Threaten to hurt you or themself you break up with them?
• Constantly accuse you of flirting or cheating on them?
• Try to force you to have sex – or do sexual things that you’re not comfortable doing?
• Hit, slap, push, kick, or restrain you?

If abuse is part of your relationship, you’re far from alone. One in three teenagers say they know someone who’s been physically or emotionally hurt by a romantic partner. That means you probably know someone who is being abused in their relationship.

If someone is abusing you, or if someone you know is being abused, please contact our Helpline. We’ll work with you as you explore your options and you decide what’s best for you. You don’t deserve to live in fear. No one does.