Identifying Teen Dating Abuse
Dating abuse is a pattern of abusive behaviors — usually a series of abusive behaviors over a course of time — used to exert power and control over a dating partner.
Every relationship is different, but the things that unhealthy and abusive relationships have in common are issues of power and control. Violent words and actions are tools an abusive partner uses to gain and maintain power and control over their partner.
Any young person can experience dating abuse or unhealthy relationship behaviors, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic standing, ethnicity, religion or culture. It does not discriminate and can happen to anyone in any relationship, whether it’s one that is casual and short-term or serious and monogamous.1
If these statements are true about your relationship, it could be an abusive relationship. To talk about your concerns about your relationship, contact 888-981-1457.