Dating Violence: The signs that a teen is experiencing emotional or physical abuse

Women ages 18-24 experience the highest rates of Intimate Partner Violence in the US; one in three high school students experience physical or sexual violence at the hands of a dating partner. Yet, dating violence or abuse often goes unnoticed. Abuse is not always physical, and even when it is, people go to great lengths to hide it. Abuse occurs when someone tries to control or coerce their partner. See below for the signs that a teen may be in an emotionally or physically abusive relationship. More information about teen dating violence can be found here. Reach out to local law enforcement if you feel you are in danger. Reach out to a counselor for ways to cope and recover from traumatic experiences. Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) may be ending - but the fight continues to end intimate partner violence.