Let’s Talk About Teen Dating Violence: What It Is and Why It Matters

When people think about relationship violence, they often picture adult couples — but the truth is, abuse can start much earlier. Teen dating violence (TDV), also known as adolescent relationship abuse, affects millions of young people each year. It’s a form of abuse that can shape how a person understands love, trust, and respect long before they reach adulthood.

What Is Teen Dating Violence?
Teen dating violence includes physical, psychological, economic, or sexual abuse, harassment, or stalking of any person between the ages of 12 and 18 within the context of a past or present romantic or consensual relationship. Abuse can take many forms — from hitting, shoving, or unwanted sexual contact, to controlling behaviors, constant criticism, threats, or monitoring a partner through phones and social media.

At its core, TDV is about power and control. It often begins subtly — an invasive question here, a jealous reaction there — before escalating into patterns of manipulation or violence. Because many teens are still learning what healthy relationships look like, it can be difficult to recognize when behavior crosses the line from caring to controlling.

The Reality Behind the Numbers
The scope of teen dating violence in the United States is staggering:

• 1 in 7 high school students report experiencing physical and/or sexual violence in a dating relationship.
• 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 10 boys experience physical or sexual violence at the hands of an intimate partner.
• LGBTQ+ teens experience dating violence at even higher rates than their heterosexual peers.
• Transgender youth are at particularly high risk, reporting alarming rates of abuse — including 88.9% experiencing physical dating violence, 58.8% psychological abuse, 56.3% cyber dating abuse, and 61.1% sexual coercion.
• A national survey found that 68% of teens experienced interference with school, 67% experienced job interference, and 65% experienced financial control from a partner.
• Most tragically, one in three homicides among girls aged 11–18 are committed by an intimate partner.

These numbers reveal a painful truth: teen dating violence is not rare — it’s happening all around us. And while anyone can be affected, the risks are not evenly shared. Young girls and LGBTQ+ youth, especially transgender teens, experience disproportionately high rates of abuse and face additional barriers to getting help.
 
The Consequences of Teen Dating Violence
The effects of teen dating violence can be both immediate and long-lasting. Experiencing violence during these formative years can leave deep emotional and physical scars that carry into adulthood.

In the short term, survivors may struggle with depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem. They may withdraw from friends or family, see their school performance decline, or turn to substance use to cope. Over time, the trauma can contribute to chronic mental health challenges, increased risk of suicide, and a greater likelihood of experiencing or perpetrating violence later in life.

The consequences can be even more severe for marginalized teens who already face societal barriers. Racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia can all magnify the effects of dating violence by isolating survivors and limiting their access to support. A transgender teen, for example, might fear reporting abuse due to discrimination or lack of affirming services. Similarly, youth of color may distrust systems that have historically failed to protect them.

In these cases, the harm isn’t just personal — it’s structural. Addressing teen dating violence means not only helping individual survivors but also confronting the broader inequities that allow abuse to thrive.
 
Why Early Prevention Matters
While the statistics are sobering, there is hope. Teen dating violence is preventable. By starting early, we can change the culture that allows abuse to happen and equip young people with the tools to build healthy, respectful relationships.

Prevention begins with education. When teens learn what consent, equality, and communication look like, they are better prepared to identify unhealthy behavior and set boundaries. Schools, parents, and community programs can play a vital role by offering resources and conversations that normalize respect and emotional safety.

Adults also have the power to make a difference by modeling healthy relationships in their own lives. Simple actions — like resolving conflict calmly, listening without judgment, and showing respect — help young people see what healthy love looks like in practice.

It’s equally important to ensure access to culturally specific and inclusive services. Not all teens feel comfortable reaching out for help, especially if they fear discrimination or disbelief. Programs that reflect the identities and experiences of diverse youth are critical in ensuring every survivor is heard and supported.
 
A Call to Awareness and Action
Teen dating violence is not just a “teen problem” — it’s a community issue that affects families, schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods. The impact of violence ripples outward, touching friends, teachers, and entire communities. But when we act together, we can stop the cycle before it begins.

Every conversation, every classroom lesson, and every supportive adult can make a difference. Whether you’re a parent, educator, coach, or friend, you can be part of the movement to promote healthy relationships and protect young people from harm.

At Peace Place, we believe every teen deserves to experience relationships built on respect, trust, and safety. That’s why we created Teens for Peaceful Relationships - a program dedicated to helping young people across Barrow, Banks, and Jackson counties learn about healthy relationships, recognize warning signs of abuse, and build skills for positive communication.

Our Teen Advocate is available to speak with schools, clubs, churches, and youth organizations to spark important conversations and empower teens to create a culture of respect and nonviolence. To schedule a presentation or learn more, please contact us at [email protected].

​If you or someone you know is experiencing teen dating violence, you’re not alone. Help is available 24/7. Call our Peace Place Crisis Hotline at 706-387-0100 to speak with a trained advocate who can help you explore your options and connect you with local resources.

You can also reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline anytime by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or texting “START” to 88788 for confidential support and information.

Together, we can help teens build peaceful, healthy relationships and a safer future for everyone.
 
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[1] 1. Futures Without Violence, Fact Sheet (February 2023), https://www.futureswithoutviolence.org