A pattern of behavior used by an individual to maintain control over their dating partner:
- This control may take the form of physical, sexual, or verbal abuse.
- Dating violence is not about getting angry or having a disagreement
in an abusive dating re1ationship onepartner is afraid of and intimidated by the other.
What is the legal definition of domestic violence or dating violence?
Physical harm, bodily injury or assault, infliction of fear of imminent physical harm or sexual assault. .
How often does it happen?
28% of teen relationships involve violence
24% of female homicide victims are between 15 and 24 years old.
70% of severe injuries and deaths occur when the victim is trying to leave or has already left the relationship.
38% of date rape victims are young women between the ages of 14 and 17.
70% of pregnant teenagers are abused by their partner.
Who is involved?
Dating vio1olence occurs between two people who are currently or formerly involved in a dating relationship.
The abuse can begin at a very young age, as young as 11 or 12 years old.
Friends of the couple are usually aware of the abuse and may be drawn into the situation.
Where can it happen?
Dating violence can occur at school - in the hall, in tile classroom, in the parking lot, on the bus, at after-school activities, at a student's workplace, at a school dance, or at a student's home.
In teenage dating relationships, the abuse is often public, with peers witnessing the abuse; however, the abuse can also be done in private
What does it look like?
Jealousy and possessiveness.
Name-calling, put downs, humiliation, threats, stalking, rumors, or intimidation.
Pushing, shoving, slapping, hitting, throwing objects, or ing weapons.
Unwanted sexual touch, forced sex, refusal to use birth control.