Teen Dating Abuse Is More Common Than You Think

Written by Antonio C.

Teen Dating Abuse Is More Common Than You Think!

When people think of sexual abuse, they think of someone being taken walking alone at night, they think of the act of sexual abuse – just as simple as the Merriam-Webster legal definition of sexual abuse: “the infliction of sexual contact upon a person by forcible compulsion, or the engaging in sexual contact with a person who is below a specified age or who is incapable of giving consent because of age or mental or physical incapacity.” However, sexual abuse does not only happen between strangers. Sexual abuse can also occur between active couples in private – where no bystanders or friends can notice the act. It can happen at any age and is likely more common among teens than you think it is. Check out these quick stats from Loveisrespect.org:

•  1.5 million high school students in the U.S. experience physical abuse from a dating partner in a single year. 

• 1 in 3 girls in the U.S. is a victim of physical, emotional, or verbal abuse.

• 1 in 10 high school students has been purposefully hit, slapped, or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend.

• Only 33% of teens who were in an abusive relationship ever told anyone about the abuse.

• 81% of parents believe teen dating violence is not an issue or admit they don’t know if it’s an issue. 

Abuse can often happen in private, but there are plenty of signs that abuse - sexual or other - are occurring in a relationship. Pay attention to your friends and family, and note these signs:

• They are afraid or anxious around their partner.

• The partner consistently addresses them in a derogatory manner.

• They are cutting off their social connections seemingly without reason.

• The partner pressures or forces them into actions or situations regardless of their feelings.

If you or someone you know is experiencing one or more of these situations in their relationship, there could be unwarranted and unhealthy abuse involved. These are actions of those who abuse their partners.

But how can you help? You can help by talking with your loved ones, informing their other friends and family, and calling your local dating abuse hotlines. A simple google search will yield the local number to call as well as plenty of further resources for all people – even teens - in an abusive relationship. You can also call the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE [4673]) or the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE [7233]).