What is Teen Dating Violence?

A pattern of actual or threatened acts of physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse, used by an adolescent
against a current or former dating partner. The abusive teen uses this pattern of violent and coercive
behavior, in a heterosexual or GLBTQ dating relationship, in order to gain power and maintain control
over the dating partner.

Scope of the Problem
  • The highest rate of intimate partner violence affect women ages 16-24
  • Dating violence happens just as often in GLBTQ relationships as it does in heterosexual
    relationships (GLBTQ youth face additional barriers as victims
  • 35% of 8th & 9th graders report being a victim of at least one nonsexual dating violence act, and
    10% report at least one act of sexual violence
  • A Colorado survey found that 60% of all rapes were date rapes. The majority of victims were
    between the ages of 16 and 24
  • 1 in 5 high school age girls has been physically and/or sexually abused by dating partner. 1 in 3 have
    been in an abusive relationship

Secondary Health Issues
  • Eating disorders
    A strategy to regain control or cope with victimization
  • Truancy and drop out
    Partner encourages teen to miss school and/or sabotages schoolwork
  • Risky sexual behaviors
    Increased risk and likelihood of contracting SDIs and STDs
  • Teen pregnancy
    Birth control sabotage, pressure to engage in risky sexual behaviors and early sexual activity
  • Drug and alcohol abuse
    A strategy to regain control or cope with victimization
  • Suicide ideation
  • Mental health issues
    Depression, PTSD, etc.
What does it look Like?
        Risk Profiles of Teen Dating Violence

What Can We Do?
    Education as Advocacy
    Educational Tools
Teen Dating Violence
Sources of information:
Melina Fraga
    Violence Prevention Program Coordinator  ~ mfraga@projectpave.org
Eneri Rodriguez
    Violence Prevention Educator ~ erodriguez@projectpave.org
    303-322-2382