Nearly 1 in 11 female and approximately 1 in 15 male high school students report having experienced physical dating violence in the last year. Unhealthy, abusive, or violent relationships can have severe consequences and short-and long-term negative effects on a developing teen. For example, youth who are victims of TDV are more likely to:

• Experience symptoms of depression and anxiety
• Engage in unhealthy behaviors, like using tobacco, drugs, and alcohol
• Exhibit antisocial behaviors, like lying, theft, bullying or hitting
• Think about suicide

Violence in an adolescent relationship sets the stage for problems in future relationships, including intimate partner violence and sexual violence perpetration and/or victimization throughout life. For example, youth who are victims of dating violence in high school are at higher risk for victimization during college.

If you or someone you know is a victim of teen dating violence or abuse, call us on our hotline at 570-253-4401 or 570-296-HELP or chat with us.