Abuse in teenage relationships, also called teen dating violence, is becoming more common, and more accepted among teens, according to a recent survey by the National Center on Domesticand Sexual Violence (NCDSV).

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that nearly one in ten teens in grades 7 to 12, male and female, has been physically abused by a boy or girlfriend. Abused teens are more likely to drink heavily, use drugs, engage in risky sexual behavior, develop eating
disorders, and attempt suicide.

Abuse or dating violence can be physical, verbal, or sexual, and is often used to control the other person.

Warning signs of  teen dating violence include:

Jealous or controlling behavior, including over friends, appearance, and eating habits 
Sexual pressure
Pressure to use drugs or alcohol 
Name-calling or swearing 
A partner losing his or her temper, blaming the other for his or her behavior 
A partner insulting or embarrassing the other in front of others 
Any form of physical violence 
A partner threatening to hurt others or him or herself











Abusive teen relationships and teen dating violence have become alarmingly common among both genders; in a study conducted by the CDC, nearly equal numbers of teenage boys and girls reported being abused by their partner. Abusive teen relationships and teen dating violence are not limited by ethnic group or income level. According to the NCDSV:

20 percent of teens have been threatened by their partners, or had partners threaten to hurt themselves if the relationship ended. 

33 percent of teens, and 50 percent of teen girls, say they have felt pressured to have sex in a serious relationship. 

30 percent have worried about their safety in a relationship, and 20 percent have been hit, slapped, or pushed. 

64 percent have been with a jealous or controlling partner. 

55 percent have compromised their standards to keep their partner. 

25 percent have been put down or called names by their partner.

Abuse will continue over time, and usually becomes more serious, leading to death in 1,300 cases each year, according to the CDC. Abusive teen relationships and teen dating violence have long lasting mental and emotional effects on its victims and the people who care about them. Unfortunately, those who are abused as teenagers are more likely to be in abusive relationships as adults.