What is Teen Dating Violence?

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about how abuse can show up in young people’s relationships. While teens may not live together or share finances like adults, they still experience domestic violence — and the impact can be just as serious and lasting.

Teen dating violence happens when one person uses power and control to harm, intimidate, or manipulate their partner. It can occur in any type of relationship and affects teens of all genders, identities, and backgrounds.

How Teen Dating Violence Can Look Different

Because teens are still developing independence, abuse may look different than it does in adult relationships — but it is still abuse. It can include:

• Constant texting, monitoring, or location tracking

• Controlling who someone can talk to or spend time with

• Threats, intimidation, or humiliation

• Pressuring someone into sexual activity

• Spreading rumors or sharing private photos

• Physical harm or destruction of belongings

Whether it happens in person or online, these behaviors are about control — not love.

Why Awareness Matters

Many teens don’t realize what they are experiencing is abuse. Without support, these patterns can follow them into adulthood. Learning the signs early helps teens recognize unhealthy relationships, seek help, and build expectations for respect and safety.

Understanding Power and Control

A helpful tool for understanding how dating abuse works is the Teen Dating Violence Power and Control Wheel from Love is Respect. It shows the many ways someone may try to control their partner — emotionally, digitally, physically, or socially.

You can view the wheel here:👉 Teen Dating Violence Power & Control Wheel – Love is Respect https://www.loveisrespect.org/everyone-deserves-a-healthy-relationship/power-and-control-dating-abuse/

Everyone Deserves Healthy Love

Healthy relationships are based on respect, consent, trust, and communication. If something feels wrong, it matters — and help is available.

No one is too young to deserve safety.