This fact sheet discusses what has been learned from NIJ-sponsored research about how to understand and respond to teen dating violence. Addressing teen dating violence, which includes physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, is a priority for healthy youth development. Teen dating violence is highly prevalent, with as many as 69% of youth reporting victimization. In addition, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender youth are at higher risk for dating violence compared to heterosexual and cisgender youth. Teens who experience dating violence – particularly when their victimizations go untreated – may be at increased risk for a range of negative outcomes, including involvement in further intimate partner violence as adults. In this publication, NIJ elaborates on the following five things about teen dating violence: 1) Teen dating relationships that involve violence often involve mutual violence; 2) Teen dating violence does not tend to occur in single, isolated instances, but rather in the context of a broader pattern of abusive behaviors over time; 3) A range of risk factors are associated with becoming involved in teen dating violence; 4) Teen dating violence is associated with a range of short- and long-term negative outcomes, including negative mental and physical health, substance use disorders, and victimization or perpetration; and 5) Programs to reduce teen dating violence perpetration and victimization have demonstrated effectiveness.
Five Things About Teen Dating Violence
NCJ Number
306271
Date Published
May 2023
Abstract
Date Published: May 1, 2023