This document discusses teen dating violence and provides statistics about its prevalence. It notes that 1 in 3 teens in the US experiences abuse from a dating partner, including physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse. Nearly 1.5 million high school students experience physical abuse each year. The document includes quotes from local students about their experiences. It lists warning signs for parents, such as a teen withdrawing from activities or worrying about making their partner angry. Finally, it provides tips for parents on how to discuss dating abuse with their child, including listening without judgment and respecting their feelings.

1. V I O L E N C E F R E E C O A L I T I O N
O F W A R R E N C O U N T Y
Teen Dating Violence

2. What
The
Numbers
Show…

3. It’s Too Common…
 One in three teens in the U.S. is a victim of
physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal abuse from a
dating partner.
 One in ten high school students has been purposely
hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or
girlfriend.
 Nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide
experience physical abuse from a dating partner in a
single year.
 Complete stat sheet here!

5. A Few Quotes from Warren County Students
 “I almost started crying in class when I realized that
my boyfriend was being abusive. I had no idea that I
was in an abusive relationship.”
 “I broke up with my boyfriend for being abusive. I
didn’t know that it was considered abusive when he
called me mean names all the time. He knew they
hurt my feelings. I’m glad I can be happy now.”
 “I decided to break up with the guy I was with
because of how bad I had been feeling about myself.
I realized it wasn’t what I wanted, or how I wanted
to be treated.”

7. Warning Signs. Your Child May:
 Give up hobbies and
activities they once enjoyed
doing.
 Withdraw from friends and
family.
 Spend too much of their
free time with dating
partner.
 Worry all the time about
making dating partner
angry.
 Have headaches,
stomachaches and miss a
lot of school.
 Stop talking to friends of
the opposite sex.
 Have noticeable changes in
eating or sleeping.
 Have a sudden drop in
grades.
 Lose self-confidence.
 Have to check in with
dating partner via text
messages to report where
they are and who they are
with frequently.
 Start using alcohol or
drugs.

8. Help
for
Parents!
It may be difficult to
recognize and accept that
Teen Dating Violence is a
problem for your child.
Here are some ways to
help your child.
 Ask questions and listen with an
open mind. (Avoid being critical
of your teen)
 Talk openly with your child. (Find
a safe time to get your child alone
so they can be free to share)
 Respect your teens feelings.
(Remember they have genuine
feelings for their dating partner)
 Be calm when they share what is
happening to them. (It may be
uncomfortable for you to hear)

9.  Set limits where appropriate. (Avoid
unreasonable limits such as you will
never date again)
 Avoid power struggles with your
teen. (Let them have some control
over their decisions)
 Don’t pressure them to make a quick
decision. (You may know exactly
what they should do, but they are
still struggling with their feelings)
 Deal with your own emotions in a
constructive way. (Talk your
feelings over with someone you
trust)
 Be a role mode in your own
relationships.

10. Jane B. Conn, VFC Director
Megan Crouch, VFC Prevention Education Coordinator
Pat Clark, VFC Prevention Education Specialist
Ohio Department of Health
Ohio Domestic Violence Network
Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence
Find us at:
www.arcshelter.org
www.facebook.com/ViolenceFreeCoalition
“This publication/material was supported by the 5VF1CE001114-3 from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessary represent the official views of the Center for Disease Control
and Prevention”