What Is Dating Violence?

Dating violence is a pattern of behaviors used to exert power or control over a dating partner. Dating violence is any behavior by a dating partner that:

  • Is used to manipulate, gain control or power over someone.
  • Makes a person feel bad about himself or herself or loved ones (such as friends or family).
  • Makes a person afraid of his or her dating partner.

Dating violence happens to boys and girls and can involve physical, emotional or sexual abuse.

Physical abuse may include:

  • Hitting.
  • Shaking.
  • Throwing things.
  • Pushing.
  • Using a weapon.

Emotional abuse may include:

  • Ignoring a date’s feelings.
  • Insulting a date’s beliefs or values.
  • Name-calling.
  • Isolating a dating partner from others.
  • Telling lies.
  • Keeping a date from leaving.
  • Threatening to hurt oneself.

Sexual abuse may include

  • Forcing a date to have sex.
  • Forcing someone to have sex without protection.
  • Forcing a date to do other sexual things he or she doesn’t want to do.

What’s the Impact of Dating Violence?

Dating violence can have serious consequences. While the immediate impact might be humiliation and/or physical pain, young people who experience abuse are more likely to be in physical fights or bring weapons to school. They might exhibit higher rates of drug and alcohol abuse as well as high-risk sexual behaviors. Targets of abuse are also more likely to contemplate or attempt suicide.

What Can We Do to Prevent Dating Abuse?

If abuse occurs once in a relationship, it’s likely to occur again. Teaching students about the dynamics of dating abuse, as well as their legal rights and responsibilities in a dating relationship, can significantly decrease incidents of dating violence. Dating abuse is a serious issue that should be taken up with students as early as possible. Showing students how to develop positive, healthy dating relationships will help prevent dating abuse, not only when they’re teens but also when they are adults.