According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 12 high school students experience physical or sexual dating violence each year. This issue transcends gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, impacting these young lives in profound and lasting ways. Understanding the prevalence, identifying harmful behaviors, and promoting healthy relationship dynamics are key to addressing teen dating violence.
The Prevalence of Teen Dating Violence
Teen dating violence can run the full spectrum of abuse including physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse, as well as stalking. The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey reveals that around 26% of women and 15% of men first experienced intimate partner violence before the age of 18. LGBTQ+ teens face heightened risks, with studies indicating that up to 43% of LGBTQ+ youth report experiencing dating violence.
Teen dating violence is often underreported due to fear, stigma, or a lack of understanding about what constitutes abuse. Raising awareness among teens, parents, and educators is essential to breaking the cycle.
Talking to Teens About Healthy Relationships
Open, honest communication between parents and teens is a cornerstone of prevention. Here are some strategies to help guide these conversations:
- Start early – Discuss the qualities of healthy relationships before your teen begins dating. Emphasize respect, communication, and mutual support.
- Be approachable – Create a judgment-free environment where your teen feels safe discussing their feelings and experiences.
- Use examples – Draw from media, personal anecdotes, or hypothetical scenarios to illustrate healthy and unhealthy behaviors.
- Empower decision making – Encourage your teen to set boundaries, recognize their worth, and trust their instincts.
- Provide resources – Share information about support services such as the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline (1-866-331-9474) or Love Is Respect.
Recognizing Relationship Red and Green Flags
To help teens identify healthy and unhealthy dynamics, use the following framework:
Green Flag Behaviors:
- Open communication,
- mutual respect,
- trust,
- support, and
- shared decision-making.
Some examples are listening to each other’s concerns, celebrating achievements, respecting boundaries.
Red Flag Behaviors (Toxic/Abusive):
- Signs of strain,
- jealousy,
- possessiveness, or
- miscommunication.
Some examples are checking their partner’s phone without permission, excessive dependency, and dismissing feelings.
Danger Signals Requiring Immediate Attention:
- physical violence,
- verbal threats, or
- controlling actions.
Some examples are forbidding social interactions, physical intimidation, or pressuring for sexual activity.
Empowering Teens to Seek Help
Encourage teens to recognize when they need help and where to find it. School counselors, trusted adults, and hotlines can provide guidance and support. Fostering resilience and self-esteem can also empower teens to leave unhealthy relationships and seek positive connections.
By fostering open communication and teaching teens to recognize healthy and unhealthy relationship dynamics, we can help prevent teen dating violence and create a future where every relationship is built on a foundation of mutual respect and care.
For more information and resources, visit Love Is Respect or the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
If you or someone you know is experiencing dating violence, we can help plan how to stay safe. All our services are free, confidential and survivor centered. Visit us at 1418 E. Pythian Street or give us a call at 417-874-2600. We are open 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. For after-hours assistance, call the Harmony House/Victim Center’s 24-hour safe line at 417-864-SAFE (7233). If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
About GCFJC
The Greene County Family Justice Center is a non-profit collaborative of local agencies offering comprehensive services to survivors of domestic, sexual, and family violence. Our services are trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and we welcome survivors at any point in their process. We partner with local non-profit service providers as well as local law enforcement, the Prosecutor’s office, and Children’s Division to make victim services more accessible and completely voluntary. If you do not want to participate in the criminal justice process, we support you.
Our vision is a future where we all work together to meet the needs of domestic violence and human trafficking survivors through comprehensive and accessible services, education, and perpetrator accountability. Through a coordinated framework and co-located response, we strive to break the vicious generational cycle and community impact of domestic violence and resulting victimizations.
We can help you plan for your safety whether you plan to stay in the relationship, or you are actively trying to escape. All our services are free, confidential and survivor centered. Have questions about what services are available? Visit us at 1418 E. Pythian Street or give us a call at 417-874-2600. We are open 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. For after-hours assistance, call the Harmony House/Victim Center’s 24-hour safe line at 417-864-SAFE (7233). If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.