Teen Dating Violence

Teen Dating Violence (TDV) is a form of intimate partner violence that occurs between young people who are in or were in a close relationship.

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Behaviors seen in TDV include:

Physical Violence

Physical violence is when a person hurts or tries to hurt a partner by hitting, kicking, or using another type of physical force.

Sexual violence

Sexual violence is forcing or attempting to force a partner to take part in sexual touching, a sex act or a non-physical sexual event (e.g., sexting) when the partner does not or cannot consent.

Psychological aggression

Psychological aggression is verbal and/or behavioral acts that are intended to humiliate, criticize, blame, isolate, intimidate, threaten, and/or exert control over another person.

Stalking

Stalking is a pattern of repeated, unwanted attention and contact by a partner that causes fear or concern for one’s own safety or the safety of someone close to the victim, especially because of express or implied threats.

TDV can take place in many forms either in person or electronically such as unwanted texting or posting pictures of a partner online without consent. Studies have found that negative or abusive behaviors in unhealthy relationships are more likely to increase over time. Abuse escalates as the relationship progresses, and victims are more likely to sustain substantial injuries or harm. Teens often think some behaviors, like teasing and name-calling, are a “normal” part of a relationship—but these behaviors can become abusive and develop into serious forms of violence.

Signs you may be experiencing abuse:

Excessive jealousy or insecurity;
Invasions of your privacy;
Unexpected bouts of anger or rage;
Unusual moodiness;
Pressuring a partner into unwanted sexual activity;
Blaming you for problems in the relationship and not taking any responsibility for the same;
Controlling tendencies;

Explosive temper;
Preventing you from going out with or talking to other people;
Constantly monitoring your whereabouts and checking in to see what you are doing and who you are with;
Falsely accusing you of things;
Vandalizing or ruining your personal property;
Taunting or bullying; or
Threatening or causing physical violence.

Teenage dating violence is more common than you may know; however, many teens do not report unhealthy behaviors because they are afraid to tell family and friends. Teens may not have the ability to recognize abusive patterns of power and control, especially while navigating their very first relationships. If you believe that you or someone you know may be in an abusive or unhealthy relationship do not hesitate to ask for help.

Statistics

From the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey and the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey:

Alaska’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS):

The burden of TDV is not shared equally across all groups—sexual minority groups are disproportionately affected by all forms of violence, and some racial/ethnic minority groups are disproportionately affected by many types of violence.

If you think you are in an abusive relationship, you should consider:

Reaching out to a trusted friend, teacher, parent, coach, or mentor;
Seeking the guidance of a school counselor or therapist;
Getting involved in activities you enjoy that will allow you to associate with positive people
Using state/local/national TDV resources
*Most providers are mandatory reporters and will have to report situations that involve child abuse, neglect, or sexual violence.

If you have questions about confidentiality and reporting it is okay to ask hypothetical questions.

You can contact a confidential advocate at any time (Local Hotline-907-452-2293 or Toll Free-1-800-478-7273). You will not be required to provide your name or any identifying information at the time of the call.