That about one in four teens reports verbal, physical, emotional or sexual abuse each year. Approximately 72% of students in 8th and 9th grade report that they are "dating." By the time they are in high school, 54% of students report dating violence among their peers.
Although dating violence does occur at school, it is definitely not the only place it happens. Teen dating violence takes place at the home of one of the partners at least 50% of the time. It can also happen at school events, one of the partners' vehicles or in public, such as at a mall, restaurant or party.
One in three teens report knowing a friend or peer who has been hit, punched, kicked, slapped, choked (strangled) or otherwise physically hurt by his or her partner. More then 30% of teenagers do not tell anyone about being victimized by their partner – less than 3% report the abuse to the police or other authority figure and only 3% tell a family member about the violence.
Nearly 80% of girls who have been physically abused in their dating relationships continue to date their boyfriend. Why? Victims remain in these relationships for various reasons, such as; fear, love, promises to change, isolation, blaming themselves or thinking no one will believe them. The real question that needs to be asked however is this: WHY DOES HE ABUSE HER?
Nearly one in five teenage girls who have been in a relationship said a boyfriend had threatened violence or self-harm if presented with a break-up. Leaving is the most dangerous time in a violent relationship. Leaving as a teen is especially dangerous due to the limited resources.
Victims of dating violence may become withdrawn or fearful; they may experience extremes in moods and behaviors towards others. Victims may also have difficulty making decisions and experience increased sadness, anxiety or anger. These may be accompanied by feelings of guilt, shame and humiliation. Victims also may become isolated or withdraw from activities. They may become involved in risky or illegal behavior and may cut classes or have failing grades. Victims can experience mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress and dissociation. The rates of sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy are also higher for victims of dating violence. Often people around the victim notice these changes but don’t know what is causing them or how to talk to the victim about the changes.
"Dating Abuse Statistics." Choose Respect. Apr2008. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Department of Health and Human Services. 07Mar 2008 <www.chooserespect.org>.