Teen Dating Violence: What Every Parent and Teen Should Know

Understanding Teen Dating Violence

Teen dating violence isn’t just about physical harm , it’s any pattern of behavior where one partner uses power or control over the other. It can include emotional manipulation, verbal threats, digital abuse, sexual pressure, or isolation from friends and family.

And it’s far more common than most people realize.

According to the CDC, about 1 in 12 teens experiences physical or sexual dating violence each year and many more experience emotional or digital forms of abuse. Because these relationships often happen for the first time in adolescence, many young people don’t realize what’s healthy versus what’s harmful.

How Teen Dating Violence Can Show Up:

• Constant texting or demanding to know where you are

• Jealousy or accusations when you talk to others

• Criticizing your clothes, friends, or interests

• Making threats like “If you leave me, I’ll hurt myself”

• Pressuring for sex or crossing boundaries

• Controlling social media or who you spend time with

• Explosive anger, apologies, and “love bombing” cycles

Many teens confuse control for love, especially if they’ve grown up seeing relationships that normalize jealousy or possessiveness.

Why Teens Stay Silent

Teens often keep abuse hidden because they feel embarrassed, scared of losing their partner, or worry adults won’t take them seriously. Others fear judgment or don’t want to “get someone in trouble.”

But silence can deepen the cycle of shame and isolation.

How to Talk About It

1. Start Conversations Early

Normalize discussions about respect, consent, and boundaries long before your teen starts dating. The goal isn’t to scare them — it’s to empower them.

2. Ask Open Questions

Instead of, “Are you being abused?” try “How do you feel when you’re with them?” or “What happens when you argue?” These invite honesty without blame.

3. Model Healthy Boundaries

Teens learn from what they see. Show them how you set limits, communicate respectfully, and take accountability in your own relationships.

4. Connect to Support

If your teen (or a friend) is in danger, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788).

Therapists, school counselors, and local crisis centers can also help teens rebuild safety and trust.

Healing Is Possible

No one is ever “too young” to deserve safety, respect, or love that feels calm and kind.

At Fantasia Therapy Services PLLC, we help teens and families rebuild from harmful relationship dynamics — with empathy, education, and trauma-informed care.

You are not alone.

And it’s never too early to learn what healthy love really looks like.

Resources:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1−800−799−SAFE (7233)

• Loveisrespect.org: Text “LOVEIS” to 22522

• Fantasia Therapy Services: therapist@fantasiatherapyservicespllc.com | fantasiatherapyservicespllc.com