Dating and relationships are a normal part of growing up for many teenagers, although many teens form their first romantic relationships without any idea of what constitutes “healthy” dating.  Because of their naiveté, they are more likely to get caught in a verbal, physical, or sexually abusive relationship.  If you or your teen is involved in an “unhealthy” relationship, the following teen dating help may be useful.

Teen dating violence is typically not a one-time incident, but rather an ongoing cycle of abuse that occurs again and again—and can be very difficult to end.  Teenage females are more susceptible to violence than any other age group and should take the time to read up on teen dating advice to protect themselves and their friends.

Although generally the patterns and signs of teen dating violence tend to mirror adult abusive relationships, there are some unique issues that teens face.  Learn more about those issues in relation to teen dating violence, and learn how to seek help and put an abusive teen relationship to end. 

Verbal or emotional abuse involves one person trying to control their partner’s feelings or behaviors. It includes, but is not limited to:

• Name-calling and put-downs

• Yelling and screaming

• Embarrassing the person in front of others

• Intimidation

• Spreading negative rumors about the person

• Preventing the person from seeing their friends or family

• Threatening violence or harm

• Telling the person what to do

• Making racial slurs about the person

• Making the person feel responsible for the abuse/violence

Physical abuse includes, but is not limited to:

• Scratching 

• Kicking

• Pushing

• Choking

• Biting

• Slapping

• Shoving

• Pulling hair

• Punching

• Pinching 

If you’re experiencing a few or any of these behaviors, don’t hesitate to learn how you can seek help and end an abusive relationship. 

Nearly 80% percent of girls who have been physically abused in their intimate relationships continue to date their abusers.  Ending a relationship is a difficult and involved process, even in a healthy situation and in a physically abusive relationship, it can sometimes seem impossible.  With the support of friends, family, and school, end your unhealthy relationship by learning more information on teen dating violence and discovering good teenage dating advice.