Teen dating violence is a pattern of controlling, abusive, or violent behavior used by one person in a dating relationship to gain power over another. It can happen in person, online, or through technology, and it affects people of all genders, backgrounds, and identities.
Abuse in teen relationships is often misunderstood because controlling or unhealthy behaviors may be mistaken for love, jealousy, or protection. In reality, healthy relationships are built on trust, respect, communication, and boundaries, not fear or control.
Teen dating violence can happen in serious relationships, casual relationships, or relationships that exist mainly through texting and social media.
Types of Teen Dating Violence
Emotional and Verbal Abuse
- Constant criticism or insults
- Extreme jealousy or possessiveness
- Threatening to break up as a form of control
- Humiliating someone in front of others
- Monitoring who someone talks to or spends time with
- Blaming someone for the abuse
Digital Abuse
- Demanding passwords
- Constant texting or checking someone’s location
- Monitoring social media accounts
- Sending threatening or insulting messages
- Pressuring someone to send photos or videos
- Sharing private images without consent
Physical Abuse
- Any intentional physical harm or threat of harm.
- Examples may include:
- Hitting, pushing, grabbing, or shoving
- Blocking someone from leaving
- Throwing objects
- Damaging belongings
- Threatening violence
Sexual Abuse
- Ignoring boundaries
- Guilt or manipulation related to sex
- Sharing intimate photos without permission
- Sexual assault
Warning Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship
A relationship may be unhealthy if one partner:
- Tries to control what the other wears, says, or does
- Gets angry when texts or calls are not answered immediately
- Is extremely jealous or possessive
- Isolates their partner from friends or family
- Uses threats, intimidation, or guilt
- Pressures their partner into sexual activity
- Makes their partner feel afraid, anxious, or “on edge”
No one should feel scared in a relationship.
Warning Signs Someone May Be Experiencing Abuse
A teen experiencing dating violence may:
- Become withdrawn or isolated
- Seem anxious or unusually upset
- Stop participating in activities they once enjoyed
- Constantly check their phone to avoid upsetting a partner
- Have unexplained injuries
- Apologize frequently or seem fearful of making mistakes
- Experience sudden changes in mood, grades, or behavior
If you believe you are experiencing dating violence or are concerned a loved one is going through it, reach out to Hotline Outer Banks for assistance in navigating the situation.
