Identifying Patterns of Teen Dating Violence

Written by PROVISION Media
Teen dating violence is a patten of controlling behavior exhibited towards one teenager by another one while dating.  Three major types of teen dating violence are:  Physical abuse:  hitting, punching, slapping, kicking or shoving.  Emotional abuse;  threats, name calling, screaming, yelling, teasing, intimidating, stalking, calling or using social media to harass.  Sexual abuse;  any unwanted touching, kissing or being coerced into sexual acts.

Relationships are hard, but when you’re a teenage they are even harder and complicated.  A relationship often requires more maturity than most teenagers have developed, but feel they are ready.   Immaturity and lack of experience are just of couple issues teenagers will deal with.  As a result of that, teenagers are more likely to be in relationships that are unhealthy, violent and or abusive.  Some signs to look for are:  extreme jealousy, insecurity, bouts of anger, unusual moodiness, placing blame on the relationship, not taking responsibility, controlling, making accusations or isolating you from friends and family.

Approximately 1 in 3 adolescent girls in the U.S is a victim of physical, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner.  Short term consequences linked to teen dating violence for the victim include depression, thoughts of suicide, anxiety, substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases or unintended pregnancies.  

Looking for certain behaviors could be an indication of teen dating violence, such as; a sudden change in appearance, sleeping habits, failing grades, avoiding friends and family, being withdrawn, apologizing or making excuses or having unexplained bruises or scratches.  

If you suspect teen dating violence, talk to them and guide them to the right resources.  Don’t judge them or tell them why they shouldn’t be in the relationship, just listen.  If you are in a situation dealing with teen dating violence, talk to someone you trust and seek professional help.  One resource is The American Samoa Alliance against Domestic and Sexual Violence, you can contact them at (684) 699-0272.  Or you can consult the National Dating Abuse Helpline at (866) 331-9474 (calls are anonymous and available 24 hours).


Teen dating violence prevention - children's safety network. https://www.childrenssafetynetwork.org/child-safety-topics/teen-dating-violence. (n.d.). Retrieved February 22, 2022, from https://www.childrenssafetynetwork.org/child-safety-topics/teen-dating-violence 
Staff, M. (n.d.). Massachusetts Survivors Outreach. Retrieved February 22, 2022, from https://masso.webs.com/howwestarted.htm 
staff, A. W. T. H. R. (2019, February 28). Teen dating and domestic violence awareness. wthr.com. Retrieved February 22, 2022, from https://www.wthr.com/article/news/health/teen-dating-and-domestic-violence-awareness/531-35e6ddf6-8a52-4e9b-ae06-3cf11087cb3f