The Facts

Teen Dating Violence is Pervasive

• Approximately one in three adolescent girls in the United States is a victim of physical, emotional or verbal abuse from a boyfriend or girlfriend

Interpersonal and Physical Dating Violence among Teens. The National Council on Crime and Delinquency Focus, 2008.

• 47% of 13-18 year olds who have been in relationships reported that they have personally been victimized by controlling behaviors from a boyfriend or girlfriend
• 29% reported having been the victim of sexual abuse, physical abuse, or threats of physical abuse by a boyfriend or girlfriend
• 24% reported having been victimized by the use of technology from a boyfriend or girlfriend
• 80% know someone who has been a victim of controlling behaviors from a boyfriend or girlfriend
• 60% know someone who has been the victim of sexual abuse, physical abuse, or threats of physical abuse by a boyfriend or girlfriend
• 51% know someone who has been victimized via the use of technology from a boyfriend or girlfriend
• 35% know someone who has been the victim of verbal abuse from a boyfriend or girlfriend

Impact of the Economy and Parent/Teen Dialogue on Dating Relationships and Abuse. Liz Claiborne, Inc. 2009.

Teen Dating Violence Has Lasting Effects

• Teens who are victims of dating violence are more likely to do poorly in school, engage in drug or alcohol use, have eating disorders or be depressed or suicidal
• Victims are also more likely to carry the patterns of violence into future relationships

Understanding Teen Dating Violence. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2009.

• Students who reported that they felt happy and safe at school were three times less likely to report physical violence in a relationship than those who reported low levels of happiness and safety at school.

Dating and Domestic Violence. Foundation for Children’s Health, 2010.

Parents are Uninformed

• 43% of fathers and 31% of mothers said they did not know of any websites, hotlines, printed materials, or a social worker or counselor who could help them have a conversation with their teen about dating abuse
• Less than a third (32%) of teens who have been in an abusive relationship confided in their parent about the relationship

Impact of the Economy and Parent/Teen Dialogue on Dating Relationships and Abuse. Liz Claiborne, Inc. 2009.