Healthy Relationships 101: Teen Dating Violence

Teen dating violence is a relationship that consists of either physical, mental, and/or emotional violence towards a partner’s relationship. Teen dating violence can activate many unhealthy behaviors such as: anger, jealousy, guilt, “put-me-downs”, and hostility.

Teen dating violence has a lot of negative consequences. Healthy relationship behaviors can have a positive effect on a teen’s development but unhealthy, abusive, or violent relationships can have very severe consequences.

Youth who experience dating violence are more likely to experience:

  • Depression and anxiety
  • Unhealthy behaviors
  • Antisocial behaviors
  • Lower grades in school and poor school performance
  • Increased risk of pregnancy and contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
  • Increased risk of substance abuse, eating disorders, and/or risky sexual behavior
  • Thoughts about suicide

Dating Violence can be prevented when teens, families, organizations, and communities work together.

Remember:

  • You have the right to privacy.
  • You have the right to feel safe and respected.
  • You have the right to say no.
  • You have the right to hang out with your friends.
  • You have the right to end an unhealthy relationship.
  • You have the right to live free from violence and abuse.

Click here to learn more about your relationship rights.

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