One in Three Teens Will Experience Dating Violence

What is Dating Violence?

Dating violence is any controlling, abusive, and aggressive behavior in a dating relationship, romantic relationship, or intimate partner relationship. It can include verbal, emotional, psychological, physical, sexual, digital, social, financial, cultural, or spiritual abuse, as well as pets and property. No form is worse than another, and many forms are often used in combination with one-another.

Abusive behaviors often begin between the ages of 12-18, which is why it is important to have conversations about healthy relationships and the warning signs of abuse at a young age. By educating pre-teens, teens, and young adults on the relationship spectrum, setting boundaries, consent, identifying red flags, and encouraging them to speak with trusted adults, we can help prevent abusive relationships.

Warning Signs

Because relationships exist on a spectrum, it can be hard to tell when a behavior crosses the line from healthy to unhealthy or even abusive. Use these warning signs of abuse to see if your relationship is going in the wrong direction:

*CONTENT WARNING* The content and topics shared in this video may affect individuals differently based on lived experiences.

According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1 in 3 adolescents have experienced some form of relationship abuse.

One of our goals at Southern Valley Alliance is to educate teens and young adults about the characteristics of unhealthy and abusive relationships and empower them to talk to a trusted adult if they are questioning aspects of their relationship or need help. By promoting awareness, sharing warning signs, and encouraging individuals to create healthy personal boundaries, we take a step towards preventing and stopping the cycle of abuse.

  • Checking your cell phone or email without permission

  • Constantly putting you down

  • Extreme jealousy or insecurity

  • Explosive temper

  • Isolating you from family or friends

  • Making false accusations

  • Mood swings

  • Physically hurting you in any way

  • Possessiveness

  • Telling you what to do

  • Pressuring or forcing you to have sex

  • Where is the line between love and control?

  • Name calling, insults or threats

  • Gaslighting

  • Stalking

There is help available

If you think you may be in an unhealthy relationship call Southern Valley Alliance’s 24-hour Confidential Crisis Line at 952-873-4214 to talk to a trained advocate.