Healthy Relationships & Teen Dating Violence

Teen Dating Violence is a pattern of emotional, verbal, sexual, or physical abuse used by one person in a current or past dating relationship to exert power and control over another when one or both of the partners is a teenager. Abuse may include insults, coercion, social sabotage, sexual harassment, stalking, threats and/or acts of physical or sexual abuse. The abusive partner uses this pattern of violent and coercive behavior to gain power and maintain control over the dating partner. This may also include abuse, harassment, and stalking via electronic devices such as cell phones and computers, and harassment through a third party, and may be physical, mental, or both. In Teen Dating Violence relationships, there are Three Important Roles:

• The Abuser - A person who physically, sexually, verbally or emotionally hurts a dating partner.

• The Victim - A person who is hurt physically, sexually, verbally or emotionally by a dating partner.

• The Bystander - A person who is aware that someone is being abused in a dating relationship. The bystander may become aware of the abuse through the abuser's or target's actions or words, or through second-hand information.

Unhealthy relationships can start early in relationships. Behaviors like teasing and name-calling are not normal and can become abusive and develop into more serious forms of violence. 

Warning Signs of an Abusive Partner

• Checking phone, email, or social media

• accounts without permission.

• Excessive put-downs, especially in front of others.

• Isolation from friends or family.

• Extreme jealousy or insecurity.

• Explosive outbursts, temper, or mood swings.

• Any form of physical harm.

• Possessiveness or controlling behavior.

• Pressuring or forcing you to have sex.

Effects of Dating Violence

• Symptoms of depression and anxiety

• Engage in unhealthy behaviors such

•  as using drugs, tobacco, or alcohol. 

• Antisocial Behaviors

• Suicidal Ideation

How to Get Help

• Police: 911 in case of an emergency 
• National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or Text "START" 88788
• Texas Department of Family and Protective Services 24/7 Family Violence Hotline: 1-800-252-5400
• Breakthecycle.org