Dating violence (or relationship abuse) is a pattern of over-controlling behavior that someone uses against a girlfriend or boyfriend. Dating violence can take many forms, including mental/emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse. So, you may experience dating violence even if you are not being physically abused. It can occur in both casual dating situations and serious, long-tem relationships.

Teenagers often experience violence in dating relationships. Statistics show that one in three teenagers has experienced violence in a dating relationship. In dating violence, one partner tries to maintain Power and control over the other through abuse. Dating violence crosses all racial, economic and social lines. Most victims are young women, who are also at greater risk for serious injury. Young women need a dating safety Plan. Teen dating violence often is hidden because teenagers typically:
• are inexperienced with dating relationships.
• are pressured by peers to act violently.
• want independence from parents.
• have "romantic" views of love.

Teen dating violence is influenced by how teenagers look at
themselves and others.

TEEN DATING VIOLENCE RESOURCES

v When Love Hurts. A guide for girls on love, respect and abusive relationships; http://home.vicnet.net.au/~girlsown/index.html

v Love Doesn’t Have to Hurt American Psychological Association website on teen dating violence; http.//www.apa.org/pi/pii/teen/contents.html

v In the Mix: Twisted Love. PBS show on dating violence with Campbell; http://www.pbs.org/

v National Runaway Switchboard; http://www.nrscrisisline.org/

v Dating Violence Happens: Information from a Portland, OR; http://www.bradleyangel.org/For Teens/teen dating violence

v National Sexual Violence Resource Center, Teen Dating Violence; http://www.nsvrc.org/teendating.html

v Women’s Coalition of St. Croix, Teen Dating Violence:; http//www.wcstx.com/teendatv.htm