Teenage dating violence is defined as a pattern of physically, sexually, verbally, and emotionally abusive behaviors in a dating relationship. Surveys have found that around 1 in 11 high school students reported being physically hurt by their boyfriend or girlfriend in the past year. Forms of dating violence include punching, slapping, pushing, grabbing, rape, murder, verbal attacks, extreme jealousy, possessiveness, and controlling behavior. Dating violence is typically not a single incident but a pattern of abusive behaviors over time that causes harm and/or fear through emotional manipulation and physical domination to gain control over a partner. Warning signs include extreme jealousy, constant put-downs, explosive temper, threats, possessiveness, preventing a partner from

1. Teenage Dating Violence Defined as a pattern of physically, sexually, verbally, and/or emotionally abusive behavior in a dating relationship.

2. How frequently does dating violence occur? One recent national survey found that 1 in 11 high-school students said they had been hit, slapped or physically hurt on purpose by their boyfriend or girlfriend in the past year. (Source: National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center)

3. Forms of Dating Violence Punching, slapping pushing and grabbing Rape and murder – from threats of violence Verbal attacks Extreme jealousy Possessiveness Controlling Behavior

4. Dating Violence Typically not one-time incidents, but a pattern of abusive behaviors over time that causes harm and/or fear Use of emotional manipulation and/or physical domination to gain control and power over his or her partner

5. Warning Signs Extreme jealousy Constant put-downs Telling the other person what to do Explosive temper Threats Possessiveness Preventing the other person from doing what he or she wants to do

6. Warning Signs (cont’d) Severe mood swings Making false accusations about the other person History of violence Isolating the other person from family and friends Seeking financial control over the other person

7. If you are hurting someone else, have the courage to get help! It is never okay to harm someone else. Don’t let shame or fear stop you – talk to a parent, a teacher, religious leader, a doctor, a nurse or school counselor immediately. National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-SAFE

8. For Additional Information Contact your school counselor National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline 1.866.331.9474 Break the Cycle 1.888.988.TEEN or www.breakthecycle.org