What Is Teen Dating Violence?

Teen dating violence is the act or threat of violence by one member of an unmarried couple on the other member within a dating relationship. This includes any form of sexual, physical, and/or verbal or emotional abuse.

Warning Signs of Abuse

Are you going out with someone who...

• Is jealous or possessive toward you, checks up on you, and belittles you in front of family and friends?
• Won’t accept that you are breaking up with him/her?
• Tries to control you, doesn’t like you being with friends, makes all the decisions, and doesn’t take your opinions seriously?
• Scares you or threatens you?
• Is violent, has a history of fighting or losing his/her temper, and brags about mistreating others? Destroys or damages your personal property?
• Forces you to have sex, or is aggressive during sex?
• Becomes too serious about the relationship too quickly?
• Uses drugs or alcohol and tries to get you to take them, too?
• Has a history of bad relationships, or blames you when he or she mistreats you?
• Hits, chokes, punches, kicks, slaps, pulls your hair or physically hurts you?
• Your family and friends have told you they were worried for your safety?

Did You Know...

• 22% of High School students report nonsexual dating violence.
• More than 70% of pregnant teens or female teen parents are beaten by their boyfriends.
• Nearly one in five teenage girls who have been in a relationship report a boyfriend had threatened violence toward her or threatened to injure himself over a breakup.
• Nationally, 9.2% of High School students report having been hit, slapped, or physically hurt on purpose by their boyfriend or girlfriend.
• Most teenage victims of dating violence report that their offender was close in age to their own.
• 16% of Ohio High School females report having been physically forced to have sexual intercourse when they did not want to.

What To Do When The Relationship Ends

• Talk with your parents and friends about what you are going through so they can support and look out for you.
• Keep spare change or a cell phone handy. In case of emergency, call 911 or your local police department.
• Talk to school counselors. They can help change your class schedule, if necessary.
• Avoid being alone at school and walking home alone.
• Set up a buddy system for when you go places.

Information provided by:
Office of Criminal Justice Services
1970 W. Broad St.
Columbus, OH 43223
1-888-448-4842