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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.