Teen Dating Violence: Statistics

Forty-four percent of college graduates have been in an abusive relationship.1
image from Ars Electronica in Linz, Austria

According to a 2012 study in the Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, teen dating violence is related to health problems in adulthood. 2

Teen Dating Violence: A Widespread Problem

In the U.S. alone almost 1.5 million high school students are physically abused by a dating partner every year. 3

Nearly 40% of male and female adolescents have been physically or sexually abused by a dating partner. 4

More than 1/3 of women and 1/4 of men experience rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner. 5

Teen Dating Violence: Enduring Consequences

Teenage females who experience dating violence are 4x - 6x more likely to become pregnant. 6

Teens who have been in abusive relationships are more likely to feel hopeless and attempt suicide. 7

Teens who have experienced dating violence are moe likely to experience violent relationships as an adult. 8

Teens in abusive dating relationships are more likely to smoke, binge drink, and use drugs. 9



Teen Dating Violence: Sources

1. Forke CM, Myers RK, Catallozzi M, Schwarz DF. Relationship Violence Among Female and Male College Undergraduate Students. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2008;162(7):634-641.

2. Exner-Cortens, D.; Eckenrode, J.; & Rothman, E. (2013). Longitudinal associations between teen dating violence victimization and adverse health outcomes. Pediatrics, 131(1), 71-78.

3. Love is Respect http://www.loveisrespect.org/is-this-abuse/dating-violence-statistics

4. Halpern, et al. Patterns of Intimate Partner Violence Victimization from Adolescence to Young Adulthood in a Nationally Representative Sample Journal of Adolescent Health. (2009); 45(5): 508–516.

5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011). National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey

6. Silverman, J., Raj, A., Mucci, L., & Hathaway, J. (2001). Dating Violence Against Adolescent Girls and Associated Substance Abuse, Unhealthy Weight Control, Sexual Risk Behavior, Pregnancy, and Suicidality. Journal of the American Medical Association. 286(5): p. 572-279.

7. Howard, Yang, & Fan, 2009; CDC, 2005.

8. Smith et al., 2002; CDC, 2005.

9. Silverman, Raj, Mucci, & Hathaway, 2001.



Tip: It's easier to stop teen dating violence if you know the warning signs of an abusive relationship.

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