What is Dating Violence?
Approximately one in five female high school students reports being physically and/or sexually abused by a dating partner.
(Jay G. Silverman, PhD; Anita Raj, PhD; Lorelei A. Mucci, MPH; and Jeanne E. Hathaway, MD, MPH, “Dating Violence Against Adolescent Girls and Associated Substance Use, Unhealthy Weight Control, Sexual Risk Behavior, Pregnancy, and Suicidality,” Journal of the American Medical Association, Vol. 286, No. 5, 2001)
Physical Violence
• Shoving, hitting, pinching, grabbing and slapping, among other acts
• Physical intimidation (blocking doors, throwing objects)
• Use of weapons
Sexual Abuse
• Unwanted touching
• Forced sexual activities
• Pressure to have sex
• Threats to find someone who will do what he or she wants sexually
• Rape
Emotional Abuse
• Put-downs, insults, and rumors
• Humiliation
• Accusations
• Threats
• Possessiveness
• Overdependence
• Withdrawal of attention
• Threats to find another who will do what abuser wants sexually
• Isolation from friends or family
Online screening tool:
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