Teen Dating Violence is defined as the physical, psychological, emotional or sexual violence within a current of former dating relationship. It can occur in person or electronically, and also includes stalking.

Being a teen in today’s world is not easy. Teens face many multifaceted personal and social issues ranging from everything including academic pressure to their social advancement online and in their communities. For some, it unfortunately also includes dating violence which can happen to any teen in a romantic, dating, or sexual relationship, anytime, anywhere:

• 1 in 3 adolescents in the U.S. is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner.
• 1 in 3 dating college students has given a dating partner their computer, email or social network password which makes these students more likely to experience digital dating abuse.
• In 2015, 10% of Houston area high school students have experienced physical, 9% sexual dating violence and 10% were physically forced to have sexual intercourse.
• Among high school students who have experienced sexual and physical abuse by a dating partner, 9 out of 10 have seriously contemplated suicide, and over 80% have attempted suicide.
• Only 33% of teens in an abusive relationship ever tell anyone about the abuse – 75% tell a friend, 6% tell a family member and 3% tell an authority figure.
• Schools have Dating Violence policies to protect your middle school, high school and college age child.
• Violent behavior typically begins between the ages of 12 and 18.

Crime Stoppers shares important Teen Dating Violence Prevention Tips to keep our teens safe.