Teen Dating Violence

Teen Dating Violence

Dating violence isn’t an argument every once in a while, or a bad mood, it’s a pattern of violent behavior. Sometimes it causes injuries or even death, but it doesn’t have to be physical. It can include verbal and emotional abuse, insults, isolation from friends and family, name calling, and even controlling behavior like what the other person wears. It can also include sexual abuse. And, it happens to men and women regardless of age, race, religion, sexual preference, education level, and even economic background.

Statistics

1 in 5 teens who have been in a serious relationship report being hit, slapped or pushed by a partner.

1 in 3 girls who have been in a serious relationship say they’ve been concerned about being physically hurt by their partner.

1 in 4 teens who have been in a serious relationship say their boyfriend or girlfriend has tried to prevent them from spending time with friends or family; the same number have been pressured to only spend time with their partner.

1 in 3 girls between the ages of 16 and 18 say sex is expected for people their age if they’re in a relationship; half of teen girls who have experienced sexual pressure report they are afraid the relationship would break up if they did not give in.

Nearly 1 in 4 girls who have been in a relationship (23%) reported going further sexually than they wanted as a result of pressure.

Source: www.loveisrespect.org

Scenarios

I just found out my boyfriend has been cheating on me, the entire two years we’ve been dating. He lied about his sexual experience and manipulated me into having sex with him. I don’t know if I should break up with him or not. I found some websites that talk about teen relationships and now I know he’s been emotionally abusive toward me.

Camille - 18

My girlfriend’s parents have a lot of money. When we started dating, she asked her mom to buy me a phone. I thought that was so cool because I really wanted one. Well, now she won’t leave me alone. She texts me all the time especially when I’m in class. She accuses me of liking another girl, who I’ve been friends with since grade school and we are neighbors. There's no way I am going to stop talking to her just because my girlfriend is paranoid. Dave - 18

My boyfriend is a jock. He is about a foot taller than me and has huge muscles. Sometimes, when we’re making out, he gets a little rough. He says “get used to it” and sometimes gets upset. Last time, he just held me down harder. We were out in the country so it’s not like I could get out of the car and walk away. What should I do?

Kari – 17

My boyfriend is really cute and popular. I’m looking forward to prom with him this year but I’m getting a little nervous. At homecoming, I wouldn’t have sex with him. He told me I was a waste because he paid for our dinner with a bunch of other people. Maybe I embarrassed him. We’ve done it before so now he expects it. I told him we need to slow down because I am not comfortable. He’s pushed me around before and I’m really afraid that if he doesn’t get what he wants, he’s going to stand me up or humiliate me at the prom. I just don’t know what to do.

Bethany – 17

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