Teen Dating Violence Facts
Teen dating violence is abusive behavior intended to control, dominate and isolate another person. Evidence indicates that dating violence among teens and tweens is more widespread than originally thought. For instance, dating violence starts at age 11, which is earlier than expected. And 8 percent of eighth and ninth grade students report sexual dating violence.
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Statistics
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Although estimates vary from study to study, teen dating violence is an extensive public health issue. For instance, one national survey found that one in 11 high school students reported being physically hurt by their dating partner in the past year. Likewise, one in 11 students said they were forced to have sex, and up to 96 percent of teens experience emotional abuse in their dating relationships.
Types
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Originally, only physical violence was considered dating violence. Now, dating violence ranges from emotional and verbal abuse to sexual coercion and assault. Physical abuse includes violent acts like hitting, shoving, kicking and biting. Threatening violence, stalking, using weapons and driving recklessly also are considered physical abuse.
Sexual abuse includes unwanted touching, demands for sex, sexual assault and rape. It also can include forced sexual acts and exposure to pornography or private body parts. Meanwhile, verbal and emotional abuse includes humiliation, insults, name calling and demeaning statements. Other examples include monitoring phone calls, calling or texting constantly, controlling clothing choices and isolating from family and friends.
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Causes
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Abuse is a choice. The victim cannot control the abuse nor make it stop. Likewise, victims do not "provoke" abuse. However, there are factors that contribute to abuse. But, these factors are never an excuse.
Early sexual activity increases the odds of relationship abuse. One out of three teens who had sex by age 14 say they experienced physical beatings, and 69 percent report experiencing more than one type of relationship abuse. Alcohol and drug use is linked to abuse as well as witnessing violence at home. Finally, teen boys sometimes associate aggressive behavior with masculinity.
Effects
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Abused teens may do poorly in school and may be depressed. They also have low self-esteem, may cry frequently, have trouble sleeping or concentrating and lose interest in activities and friends. They also may abuse substances and have eating disorders. Some even contemplate or attempt suicide.
Considerations
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Both girls and boys report being physically hurt. However, research shows that males and females use physical force for different reasons. Girls are often defending themselves and boys are often trying to dominate and control. Boys are more likely to be pinched, slapped, scratched or kicked, while girls are more likely to be punched, beaten or forced to engage in sexual activity.
Researchers also have found that girls suffer more from dating violence both emotionally and physically. They have serious injuries and report being terrified. Conversely, boys are seldom fearful. Some boys even say the attacks were funny. Finally, researchers believe that boys under-report, deny or minimize their own aggression while girls may over-report to accept blame or to take responsibility.
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References
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