Teen Dating Violence
Teen dating violence (TDV) includes controlling, abusive, or aggressive behavior in romantic relationships. It can be verbal, emotional, physical, sexual, technological or financial.
TDV can start as early as middle school and have long-term effects, including increased risk of substance use, eating disorders, suicidal behavior, and mental health challenges.
Experiencing teen dating violence?
Click here for a list of Philadelphia organizations and resources that can help if you or a friend is experiencing teen dating violence.
Key Facts & Prevalence
- About 13.6% of U.S. high school students experience physical or sexual dating violence each year (CDC).
- Underreporting: Only 3% of teens experiencing dating abuse tell an authority figure; 60% tell a friend (CDC).
- Technology: Social media and texting can increase TDV while keeping it hidden (CDC).
- Philly-based data: 13.6% of girls and 7.7% of boys report being physically hurt by a partner; 11.2% of girls and 4.9% of boys report forced sexual activity. (Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System).
