It's easy to think that relationship violence isn't something that would happen to your family. Unfortunately, dating violence among teens and young adults is more prevalent than we think. Approximately 1.5 million teens experience dating violence every year, with some experiencing abusive behaviors as young as 11 years old. Young women between the ages of 18 to 24 experience the highest rate of intimate partner violence. Girls are more vulnerable to experiencing violence in their relationships and more likely to suffer long-term behavioral and health consequences. Unlike adults, teens don't have the social or relationship experience to distinguish a healthy relationship from an abusive one. Teens are also more likely to experience digital dating abuse, including stalking or bullying via texting, messaging, or social media.
This school year, help make sure teens and young adults make smart choices and keep their mental health and well-being a priority in their new relationship. Educating teens about healthy relationships and making sure parents and guardians recognize the signs of abuse is key to preventing relationship violence. In a healthy relationship, both partners:
- Communicate openly with one another and practice active listening
- Trust each other and are honest
- Have equal power in the relationship
- Are independent and able to enjoy personal time without their partner
- Make decisions together
- Respect each other's boundaries
- Are accountable for their behavior and choices
Any behavior or action that contradicts a healthy relationship is a red flag that needs to be addressed. Like domestic violence, abuse in teen relationships escalates over time, especially if there are no consequences for the abuser. Investing time in conversations about healthy relationships early on is an investment in a future without violence. We can all play a part in helping prevent abuse and keeping teens and young adults safe. Use these resources to learn more: