TEEN DATING ABUSE.ORG
Get The Facts on Teen Dating & Relationship Abuse
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What Is Dating Abuse?
Dating abuse is a pattern of behaviors used to exert power and control over a dating partner. Abuse can be verbal, emotional, psychological or physical and is designed to keep a victim off balance and easily controlled.
Real Stories of Teen Dating Abuse
Produced by teendatingabuse.org
"When you're young and inexperienced, it's easy to confuse jealousy and control for love and adoration"
-Maddie, age 17
It's More Common Than You Might Think
1 in 3 high school and college-aged girls are currently in, or have been in, an abusive relationship. That means 33 out of every 100 girls experiences dating abuse. It's very likely YOU KNOW someone, if not yourself, that is going through this right now.
A common misconception about teen dating abuse and violence is that teens don't experience the same level of abuse as adults. THIS IS UNTRUE. Teen dating abuse is NOT a lighter, lesser type of abuse. Teenage abusers use the SAME tactics to control and manipulate their partners, and teenage victims feel the SAME anguish and fear as adults.
Teens who experience dating abuse are more likely to report symptoms of depression and anxiety, use tobacco, drugs and alcohol, engage in risky sexual behavior, develop an eating disorder, think about suicide and get involved in abusive relationships as adults.
Abuse is NEVER Your Fault
Regardless of what you have been made to believe, you DO NOT deserve it and there is NO acceptable excuse for it.