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Reviews state laws including MA, identifies that we need a specific policy in Leicester and curriculum according to DESE to deal with teen dating violence.

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Reviews state laws including MA, identifies that we need a specific policy in Leicester and curriculum according to DESE to deal with teen dating violence.

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Teen dating violence (TDV) occurs between two people in a close relationship and includes four types of behavior: physical violence, sexual violence, stalking and psychological aggression. TDV can take place in person or electronically, and it affects millions of U.S. teens each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly one in nine female teens and one in 13 male teens report experiencing physical dating violence in the last 12 months. Additionally, approximately one in seven female teens and one in nine male teens report experiencing sexual dating violence in the last 12 months.

Unhealthy relationships during adolescence can disrupt emotional development and contribute to other long-term negative effects. According to the CDC, teens who experience dating violence are more likely to exhibit antisocial behaviors, engage in unhealthy behaviors such as tobacco, drug and alcohol use, experience depression and anxiety, and consider suicide. These symptoms can continue into adulthood. Moreover, a long-term consequence of unhealthy relationships in adolescence is the increased risk of problems in future relationships. For example, individuals who experience TDV in high school are more likely to be revictimized in college.

Prevention initiatives include early education about safe dating practices. Efforts that provide education and information about healthy relationships often include components that address problem-solving skills and avoidance of risky behaviors. Dating Matters, a CDC initiative, raises awareness about teen dating violence and includes preventive strategies for individuals, peers, families, schools and neighborhoods.

Policymakers can play a role in preventing teen dating violence. At least 23 states have laws that allow, urge or require school boards to develop or include curriculum on teen dating violence. States have also adopted teen dating violence awareness weeks or months to bring attention to prevention and safe dating practices.

To find up-to-date information about injury prevention legislation, including teen dating violence prevention, please visit NCSL's Injury Prevention Legislation Database. This database allows you to search legislation by state, topic, keyword, year, status or primary sponsor.

To learn about other topics and additional resources, please return to the injury and violence prevention overview page.

State Laws on Teen Dating Violence

(as of July 2014)

Below is a list of enacted legislation through 2014 that addresses teen dating violence. To view current state actions related to teen dating violence, and other injury and violence prevention topics, please visit NCSL's Injury and Violence Prevention Legislation Database.

State

Description of Law

California

Calif. Educ. Code § 33530-33545 Includes sexual abuse prevention education in the "Health Framework for California Public Schools." Requires inclusion of discussion of healthy boundaries for relationships, how to recognize potentially harmful and abusive relationships and refusal skills to overcome peer pressure and to avoid high-risk activities.

Colorado
Colo., Sess. Laws, Chap. 303 (2013 HB 1081) Creates the comprehensive human sexuality education grant program in the department of public health and environment. Requires education programs to include instruction regarding the prevention of sexual violence in dating and teaching young people how to recognize and respond safely and effectively in situations where sexual or physical violence may be occurring.

Connecticut

2010 Conn. Acts, P.A. 91 (2010 HB 5315) Includes teen dating violence and domestic violence education as part of the in-service training program for certified teachers, administrators and pupil personnel.

2010 Conn. Acts, P.A. 137 (2010 HB 5246) Requires the Commissioner of Public Health to develop one public service announcement issued by the Department of Public Health through a televised broadcast for the purpose of preventing teen dating and family violence.

Florida

2010 Fla. Laws, Chap. 217 (2010 SB 642/HB 467) Requires a comprehensive health education taught in the public schools to include a component on teen dating violence and abuse for students in grades 7 through 12. Would require district school boards to adopt and implement a dating violence and abuse policy and provides policy requirements. Also would require the Department of Education to develop a model policy that includes school personnel training.

Fla. Stat. § 784.046 A victim of dating violence that has reasonable cause to believe he or she is in imminent danger of becoming the victim of another act of dating violence, or any person who has reasonable cause to believe he or she is in imminent danger of becoming the victim of an act of dating violence, or the parent or legal guardian of any minor child who is living at home and who seeks an injunction for protection against dating violence on behalf of that minor child, has standing in the circuit court to file a restraining order against the accused dating violence abuser.

Illinois

2013 Ill. Laws, P.A. 190 (2013 HB 3379) Amends the "Critical Health Problems and Comprehensive Health Education Act" and requires school boards to adopt a policy that: states that teen dating violence is unacceptable and is prohibited and that each student has the right to a safe learning environment; and incorporates age-appropriate education about teen dating violence into new or existing training programs for students in grades 7 through 12 and school employee.

Ill. Rev. Stat. ch. 105, §110/3 (2009 HB 973) Amends the Critical Health Problems and Comprehensive Health Education Act. Provides that the Comprehensive Health Education Program may include instruction on teen dating violence for specified grade levels.

Ill. Laws, P.A. 95-876 (2007 SB 2023/HB 1330) Requires the State Board of Education to convene an Ensuring Success in School Task Force to develop policies and procedures for addressing the educational and related needs of youth who are parents, expectant parents, or victims of domestic or sexual violence to ensure their ability to stay in school, and successfully complete their education. Adds one member appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate and one member appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives to the Task Force. The Task Force will issue a final report to the General Assembly in Spring of 2009.

Louisiana

La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17.81 Requires the governing authority of each public school to provide students in grades seven through 12 enrolled in health education instruction about teen dating violence.

Massachusetts

2010 Mass. Acts, Chap. 256 ( 2010 SB 2583) Requires school districts to implement a specific policy to address teen dating violence in public schools. These policies are required to clearly state that teen dating violence will not be tolerated, and need to include guidelines for addressing alleged incidents of teen dating violence.
2010 Mass. Acts, Chap. 92 (2010 SB 2404) Requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to establish standards that will provide for instruction in the issues of nutrition, physical education, AIDS education, violence prevention, including teen dating violence, bullying prevention, conflict resolution and drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse prevention.

Nebraska

Neb. Rev. Stat.§ 43 Sec. 79-2,142 (2009 LB 63) (originally LB 64, but added to LB 63 during session) Section 43-47 adopts the Lindsay Burke Act passed in Rhode Island in 2007. Would require the state department of education to develop a model policy for schools to address teen dating violence through their curriculum.

Ohio

Ohio Rev. Code Ann. §3313.60, 3313.666, and 3319.073 (2009 HB 19) Enacts the Tina Croucher Act. Requires school districts to adopt a dating violence prevention policy and to include dating violence prevention education within the health education curriculum.

2007 HB119 (Appropriations Bill) Requires the Franklin County Child and Family Health Services to support the Compdrug Teen Dating Violence Prevention Project. Comp Drug Inc. is an organization that offers services in prevention, intervention and treatment programs for persons with substance abuse problems and the largest provider of institutional and community based corrections programs.

Oregon

2012 Or. Laws, Chap. 69 Directs each school district board to adopt policy related to teen dating violence.

Pennsylvania

2010 Pa. Laws, Act 104 (2010 HB 101) Amends the terms and courses of study in the Public School Code of 1949 and provides for dating violence education.

Rhode Island

R.I. Gen. Laws §16-85, 16-21-30, and 16-22-24 (2007 SB 875/HB 6166) Establishes the Lindsay Anne Burke Act which requires the Department of Education to develop a model dating violence policy to assist school districts in developing policies for dating violence reporting and response. The model policy shall be implemented on or before April 1, 2008. Each school district's policy should include a policy for responding to incidents of dating violence and to provide dating violence education to students, parents, staff, faculty and administrators, in order to prevent dating violence and to address incidents involving dating violence. Click here to view Rhode Island Department of Education's policy on teen dating violence.

Texas

2011 House Bill 2496 (signed by Governor 6/17/2011) Creates a teen dating violence court program that includes a 12-week course to educate children who engage in dating violence and encourage them to refrain from engaging in that conduct. This law also provides for the deferral of adjudication and dismissal of certain dating violence cases.

Tex. Education Code Ann. §37.0821 (2007 HB121) Schools are required to develop and implement a dating violence policy. The school policy should provide training for teachers and administrators and awareness education for students and parents. It should also enforce protective orders or school based alternative including counseling for affected students. The policy is also required to addressing safety planning.

Virginia

2011 Va. Acts, Chap. 634 Requires that any family life education curriculum offered by a local school division is to include the Standards of Learning objectives related to dating violence and the characteristics of abusive relationships to be taught at least once in middle school and at least twice in high school. (SB 906 of 2011)

Va. Code Ann. § 22.1-207.1 (2007 HB 1916) Develops curriculum guidelines for teaching teen dating violence and all family life education in schools. The guidelines promote parental involvement, foster positive self concepts and provide mechanisms for coping with peer pressure and the stresses of modern living according to the students' developmental stages and abilities. The Board shall also establish requirements for appropriate training for teachers of family life education, which shall include training in instructional elements to support the various curriculum components.

Additional Resources

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national conference of state legislatures

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Kate Blackman, Amber Bellazaire, Alise Garcia

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Teen dating violence (TDV) occurs between two people in a close relationship and includes four types of behavior: physical violence, sexual violence, stalking and psychological aggression. TDV can take place in person or electronically, and it affects millions of U.S. teens each year.

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https://www.nsvrc.org/blogs/teen-dating-violence-prevention-resources-2022

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National Sexual Violence Resource Center

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February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM), and the theme for this year is "Talk About It." It is a call to action for young people and those who support them to have meaningful conversations about healthy relationships and to talk about what to do in unhealthy and abusive relationships.

Teen dating violence includes physical, emotional, sexual, or digital abuse in a current dating relationship or by a former dating partner. Young people experience violence at alarming rates. According to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey:

Over 71% of women and over 55% of men first experienced intimate partner violence (sexual or physical violence, and/or stalking) under the age of 25.

One in four women first experienced intimate partner violence prior to the age of 18.

Over 80% of women and over 70% of male rape victims experienced their first completed or attempted rape under the age of 25.

Sexual violence is usually committed by someone the survivor knows. Over 28% of girls who experienced sexual violence under the age of 18 were raped by a current or former intimate partner.

Youth who experience sexual violence as children or teens are more likely to experience sexual violence in adulthood. Thirty-five percent of women who were raped as minors were also raped as adults, compared to 10% of women raped as an adult who were not raped as minors.

Experiencing violence in youth can have long-lasting impacts, making it all the more critical to prevent violence before it occurs. By promoting social norms that protect against violence (such as bystander programs and engaging men and boys) and supporting survivors, we can lessen the impact of sexual violence and prevent future victimization.

A healthy relationship requires open communication, safety, trust, and respect. Teaching children and young people about healthy relationships and consent should start early with age-appropriate messages through childhood and teen years. TDVAM is an opportunity to promote healthy relationships and consent, which are key to preventing sexual violence. Young people learn about relationships from those around them, so it is important to model healthy relationships and ask for consent while in person and online. Advocates can reinforce what consent looks like by educating parents, caregivers, and others on how to practice everyday consent and about healthy relationships. Advocates can also practice this by respecting a young person's wishes or choices when working with them.

Resources for youth, advocates, and preventionists:

Organizations:

Love is Respect.org: A project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, they are a resource to empower youth to prevent and end dating abuse.

That's Not Cool.com: Helps young people draw a "digital line" about what is and what is not okay in their relationships

Resources for parents and caregivers:

Learning about healthy relationships and consent starts young. Parents can use the following resources to learn how to talk to their children and teens about healthy relationships and consent:

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Teen Dating Violence Prevention Resources for 2022

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February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM), and the theme for this year is "Talk About It." It is a call to action for young people and those who support them to have meaningful conversations about healthy relationships and to talk about what to do in unhealthy and abusive relationships.

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https://www.loveisrespect.org/get-involved/tdvam/

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Dating violence is more common than people think, especially among teens and young adults: one in three teens in the US will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they're in a relationship with before they become adults, and nearly half (43%) of college women report experiencing violent or abusive dating behaviors.

Every February, young people and their loved ones join together across the country for a national effort to raise awareness about the issue of teen dating violence through Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM). This annual, month-long push focuses on advocacy and education to stop dating abuse before it starts.

We are so excited to announce the theme for TDVAM 2022 is Talk About It. Talk About It is a call to action to young people and those who support them to engage in meaningful conversations about healthy relationships and navigate what may be unhealthy or even abusive.

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Dating violence is more common than people think, especially among teens and young adults: one in three teens in the US will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they're in a relationship with before they become adults, and nearly half (43%) of college women report experiencing violent or abusive dating behaviors.

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Every year, approximately 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner. It is also known that 3 in 4 parents have never talked to their children about domestic violence. .~ NRCVD

Dating abuse can affect anyone regardless of age, race, economic status, cultural background, religion, sexual orientation, etc. However, for tweens and teens, it is vitally important that parents/caregivers have conversations around what healthy and unhealthy relationships look like and what to do if they find themselves or a friend in an unhealthy relationship. Below are some resources that can help start the conversation.

NC Resources

NCCADV leads the state's movement to end domestic violence and to enhance work with survivors through collaborations, innovative trainings, prevention, technical assistance, state policy development and legal advocacy. Find listings of all domestic violence agencies in North Carolina under NC Domestic Violence Service Providers.

National Resources

Loveisrespect advocates are trained on issues related to dating abuse and healthy relationships, as well as crisis intervention. This means that when you contact a loveisrespect advocate, they will listen to your situation, assess how you're feeling in the moment, and help you figure out the next best steps for you. You might brainstorm a safety plan together, or the advocate may be able to find some local resources for you, whether it's a counselor, support group, legal service or whatever you might need.

The Hotline is the only 24/7 center in the nation that has access to service providers and shelters across the U.S. Today, The Hotline continues to grow and explore new avenues of service.

This website discusses what abuse is, the red flags or signs of abuse, what healthy and unhealthy relationships look like and provides resources for help.

A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization supported by members, individual donors, corporations, foundations, and government grants, NCVC can help find local victim services counselors for young people in trouble. NCVC is the nation's leading resource and advocacy organization for crime victims and those who serve them. Since its inception in 1985, NCVC has worked with grassroots organizations and criminal justice agencies throughout the United States serving millions of crime victims.

Break the Cycle inspires and supports young people in building a culture of healthy relationships. We're guided by our Let's Be Real movement enthusiastic, committed young people located nationally taking action to ending dating abuse.

The My Plan App helps women and their friends to determine if a relationship is unsafe and create an action plan to leave safely.

Other Resources
How to Identify and Intervene in Teen Dating Violence~ Online Counseling Programs
"A Parent's Handbook: How to Talk to Youth about Healthy Relationships" ~Break the Cycle

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Teen Dating Violence Resources | UNC Hospital's Beacon Program

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Every year, approximately 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner. It is also known that 3 in 4 parents have never talked to their children about domestic violence. .~ NRCVD Dating abuse can affect anyone regardless of age, race, economic status, cultural background, religion, sexual orientation, etc.

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Teen dating violence (TDV), also called, "dating violence", is an adverse childhood experience that affects millions of young people in the United States. Dating violence can take place in person, online, or through technology. It is a type of intimate partner violence that can include the following types of behavior:

Physical violence is when a person hurts or tries to hurt a partner by hitting, kicking, or using another type of physical force.

Sexual violence is forcing or attempting to force a partner to take part in a sex act and or sexual touching when the partner does not consent or is unable to consent or refuse. It also includes non-physical sexual behaviors like posting or sharing sexual pictures of a partner without their consent or sexting someone without their consent.

Psychological aggression is the use of verbal and non-verbal communication with the intent to harm a partner mentally or emotionally and exert control over a partner.

Stalking is a pattern of repeated, unwanted attention and contact by a current or former partner that causes fear or safety concern for an individual victim or someone close to the victim.

Teen dating violence profoundly impacts lifelong health, opportunity, and wellbeing. Unhealthy relationships can start early and last a lifetime. The good news is violence is preventable, and we can all help young people grow up violence-free.

Teens often think some behaviors, like teasing and name-calling, are a "normal" part of a relationship. However, these behaviors can become abusive and develop into serious forms of violence. Many teens do not report unhealthy behaviors because they are afraid to tell family and friends.

Teen dating violence is common. Data from CDC's Youth Risk Behavior Survey in 2019 indicate that among U.S. high school students who reported dating during the 12 months before the survey:

About 1 in 12 experienced physical dating violence.

About 1 in 12 experienced sexual dating violence.

Some teens are at greater risk than others. Female students experienced higher rates of physical and sexual dating violence than male students. Students who identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) or those who were unsure of their gender identity experienced higher rates of physical and sexual dating violence compared to students who identified as heterosexual.

Unhealthy, abusive, or violent relationships can have short-and long-term negative effects, including severe consequences, on a developing teen. Youth who are victims of teen dating violence are more likely to:

experience depression and anxiety symptoms

engage in unhealthy behaviors, like using tobacco, drugs, and alcohol

exhibit antisocial behaviors, like lying, theft, bullying, or hitting

think about suicide

Violence in an adolescent relationship sets the stage for future relationship problems, including intimate partner violence and sexual violence perpetration and/or victimization throughout life. For example, youth who are victims of dating violence in high school are at higher risk for victimization during college.

Supporting healthy, nonviolent relationships could reduce TDV and prevent its harmful, long-lasting effects on individuals, their families, and their communities. During the pre-teen and teen years, it is critical for youth to begin learning skills to create and maintain healthy relationships, including managing feelings and communicating in a healthy way. Research also highlights the need for prevention efforts that address the unique needs of teens who are at greater risk of experiencing teen dating violence.

CDC has developed resources to help communities focus their prevention efforts on what works to address risk and protective factors for violence. CDC's Dating Matters®: Strategies to Promote Healthy Teen Relationships focuses on 11-14-year-olds and includes multiple prevention components to promote healthy relationships and reduce behaviors that increase the risk of dating violence. Please visit the Dating Matters website to learn more.

CDC also developed Preventing Intimate Partner Violence Across the Lifespan: A Technical Package of Programs, Policies, and Practices pdf icon [4.52 MB, 64 Pages, 508] that describes strategies and approaches based on the best available evidence for preventing intimate partner violence, including teen dating violence. The resource includes multiple strategies that can be used in combination to prevent intimate partner violence and teen dating violence.

See Intimate Partner Violence Resources for articles, publications, data sources, and prevention resources for Teen Dating Violence.

1. Breiding MJ, Basile KC, Smith SG, Black MC, Mahendra RR. (2015). Intimate partner violence surveillance: uniform definitions and recommended data elements, version 2.0. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

2. Basile KC, Clayton HB, DeGue S, Gilford JW, Vagi KJ, Suarez NA, ... & Lowry R. (2020). Interpersonal Violence Victimization Among High School Students-Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2019. MMWR supplements, 69(1), 28.

3. Walls NE, Atterberry-Ash B, Kattari SK, Peitzmeier S. et al. (2019). Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation, Mental Health, and Bullying as Predictors of Partner Violence in a Representative Sample of Youth. Journal of Adolescent Health; 64(1): 86-92, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.08.011external icon .

4. Dank M, Lachman P, Zweig JM, and Yahner, J. (2014). Dating Violence Experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth. Journal of Youth and Adolescence; 43(5): 846-857, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-013-9975-8.

5. Foshee VA, McNaughton Reyes HL, Gottfredson NC, Chang LY, Ennett ST. (2013). A longitudinal examination of psychological, behavioral, academic, and relationship consequences of dating abuse victimization among a primarily rural sample of adolescents. Journal of Adolescent Health; 53(6):723-729.

6. Roberts TA, Klein JD, Fisher S. (2003). Longitudinal effect of intimate partner abuse on high-risk behavior among adolescents. Archives of Pediatric Adolescent Medicine; 157(9):875-881.

7. Exner-Cortens D, Eckenrode J, Rothman E. (2003). Longitudinal associations between teen dating violence victimization and adverse health outcomes. Pediatrics; 131(1):71-78.

8. Smith PH, White JW, Holland LJ. (2003). A longitudinal perspective on dating violence among adolescent and college-age women. American Journal of Public Health; 93(7):1104-1109.

9. Niolon PH, Kearns M, Dills J, Rambo K, Irving S, Armstead T, Gilbert L. (2017). Preventing Intimate Partner Violence Across the Lifespan: A Technical Package of Programs, Policies and Practices. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Teen dating violence (TDV), also called, "dating violence", is an adverse childhood experience that affects millions of young people in the United States. Dating violence can take place in person, online, or through technology.

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February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month (TDVAM). This is an issue that impacts everyone - not just teens - but their parents, teachers, friends and communities as well. Together, we can raise the nation's awareness about teen dating violence and promote safe, healthy relationships.

In his Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month Proclamation President Obama called on all Americans "to stand against dating violence when we see it." At a time when an estimated 1 in 10 teens will experience dating violence we all must take this opportunity to amplify our efforts and shine a spotlight on this important issue.
What Is the Impact of Teen Dating Violence?
Nationwide, youth age 12 to 19 experience the highest rates of rape and sexual assault. Studies show that approximately 10% of adolescents report being the victim of physical violence at the hands of an intimate partner during the previous year. Girls are particularly vulnerable to experiencing violence in their relationships and are more likely to suffer long-term behavioral and health consequences, including suicide attempts, eating disorders, and drug use.

Adolescents in abusive relationships often carry these unhealthy patterns of violence into future relationships. Indeed, children who are victimized or witness violence frequently bring this experience with them to the playground, the classroom, later into teen relationships and, ultimately, they can end up the victims and perpetrators of adult intimate partner violence.
How Do I Participate in Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month?
During Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month (TDVAM), we aim to break the cycle of violence by providing support and services to victims, their families and their communities. The following activities represent just a few of the exciting ways that everyone can - and hopefully will - engage in this work:

TeenDVmonth Toolkit - a brand new toolkit released by Break the Cycle just in time for TDVAM. The toolkit provides adult allies with resources to engage communities, especially youth, in a discussion about healthy relationships.

What's Real Tool Kit - The Idaho Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence's Center for Healthy Teen Relationships' new toolkit has an array of resources for use year-round as well as during TDVAM. It includes a youth-led positive social marketing campaign; posters, stickers, bookmarks, and other materials to engage both youth and adult influencers; and reproducible materials you can use to engage youth online.

Safety Planning Guide - a project of Break the Cycle and the National Dating Abuse Helpline. The interactive planning guide allows youth to create a personalized safety plan for work, school, home and while out with a partner. It also provides tips, local resources, and a pocket-sized personalized safety checklist.

That's Not Cool Ambassador Program - the Ambassador Program is a unique opportunity for teens to raise awareness with friends, family, and the community at large. By completing monthly challenges, That's Not Cool Ambassadors contribute their unique voices to this national initiative while helping to raise awareness about digital dating abuse in their schools and local communities. All teens and tweens across the country are invited to join this Futures Without Violence initiative.

Preventing and Responding to Teen Dating Violence- this collection of materials including curricula, training tools, guide books, fact sheets, applied research papers, and model programs, emphasizes collaborative and multilevel approaches to the prevention of and response to teen dating violence. It includes information related to: 1) young people, 2) parents and care takers, 3) men and boys, 4) teachers and school-based professionals, 5) health care professionals, and 6) domestic violence and sexual violence service providers.

Runaway & Homeless Youth and Relationship Violence Toolkit- this toolkit was developed by and for advocates, from the runaway and homeless youth and domestic violence and sexual assault fields, to help programs better address relationship violence among youth who have run away from home, are living on the streets or are homeless. Sections of the toolkit include key terms and definitions, research and resources, a look at each field, recommendations for building partnerships and services, sample materials, and help for teens in need. Check out this one page fact sheet about the toolkit (PDF, 1 page).

Blog! Tweet! Or Participate in a Webinar!
The Family Violence Prevention and Services Program at the Administration for Children and Families is working to bring visibility to the work of advocates, the strength of victims, and the Federal initiatives addressing this pervasive issue by hosting social media events and webinars throughout the month of February. Click here to access their calendar of events (PDF, 2 pages).
Talk to Teens!
Everyone can make a difference by reaching out to young people in simple ways. As we interact with teens in our work or personal lives each of us can act on President Obama's call to stand against teen dating violence by:

Discussing the warning signs of dating abuse (all kinds, not just physical abuse).

Creating a positive connection to the issue - talk about the characteristics of healthy teen relationships, not just abusive ones - and use statistics sparingly.

Talking about how the media portrays healthy and unhealthy relationships. For example, many popular movies, TV shows, commercials, books, and magazines portray stalking as romantic or harmless when it is actually very dangerous.

Getting involved even if you don't have a lot of resources - an information table, classroom discussion, or school announcement can get the conversation started.

Anyone Can Do It!
Anyone can participate in TDVAM! Consider one of the following activities:

Request a TDVAM proclamation from your state or local government, such as this example from Minnesota (PDF, 1 page).

Register your local school for the National School Announcement.

Ask local school teachers to include a discussion about healthy relationships in their February lesson plans (PDF, 1 page).

Write an op-ed in your local newspaper.

Support youth-led events and projects.

How Do I Get Help?
If you know of a teen or parent that could benefit from speaking to a caring, well-trained peer advocate, please connect them with the National Dating Abuse Helpline, a project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, at 1-866-331-9474 (TTY: 1-866-331-8453), by texting "loveis" to 77054, or through live chat at loveisrespect.org.
For more information, please visit the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Women.

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Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month

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February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month (TDVAM). This is an issue that impacts everyone - not just teens - but their parents, teachers, friends and communities as well. Together, we can raise the nation's awareness about teen dating violence and promote safe, healthy relationships.

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https://www.ummhealth.org/umass-memorial-medical-center/services-treatments/childrens-medical-center/z-list-pediatric-services/teen-dating-violence

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February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. This is a very real problem affecting teenagers in communities across the country including here in Central Massachusetts. Teen dating violence is characterized as the physical, sexual or psychological/emotional violence withi…

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Abstract

Studies of teen dating violence have focused heavily on family and peer influences, but little research has been conducted on the relationship contexts within which violence occurs. The present study explores specific features of adolescent romantic relationships associated with the perpetration of physical violence. Relying on personal interviews with a sample of 956 adolescents, results indicate that respondents who self-report violence perpetration are significantly more likely than their non-violent counterparts to report higher levels of other problematic relationship dynamics and behaviors such as jealousy, verbal conflict, and cheating. However, we find no significant differences in levels of love, intimate self-disclosure, or perceived partner caring, and violent relationships are, on average, characterized by longer duration, more frequent contact, sexual intimacy and higher scores on the provision and receipt of instrumental support. Finally, violence is associated with the perception of a relatively less favorable power balance, particularly among male respondents. These findings complicate traditional views of the dynamics within violent relationships, add to our understanding of risk factors, and may also shed light on why some adolescents remain in physically abusive relationships.

Keywords

Adolescent romantic relationships

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The characteristics of romantic relationships associated with teen dating violence

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Studies of teen dating violence have focused heavily on family and peer influences, but little research has been conducted on the relationship contexts within which violence occurs. The present study explores specific features of adolescent romantic relationships associated with the perpetration of physical violence.

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Violent Behavior in Children and Adolescents- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 

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Violent Behavior in Children and Adolescents- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 

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Violent Behavior in Children and Adolescents

No. 55; December 2017

There is a great concern about the incidence of violent behavior among children and adolescents. This complex and troubling issue needs to be carefully understood by parents, teachers, and other adults.

Children as young as preschoolers can show violent behavior. Parents and other adults who witness the behavior may be concerned, however, they often hope that the young child will "grow out of it." Violent behavior in a child at any age always needs to be taken seriously. It should not be quickly dismissed as "just a phase they're going through!"
Range of Violent Behavior
Violent behavior in children and adolescents can include a wide range of behaviors: explosive temper tantrums, physical aggression,, fighting, threats or attempts to hurt others (including thoughts of wanting to kill others), use of weapons, cruelty toward animals, fire setting, intentional destruction of property and vandalism.
Factors Which Increase Risk of Violent Behavior
Numerous research studies have concluded that a complex interaction or combination of factors leads to an increased risk of violent behavior in children and adolescents. These factors include:

Previous aggressive or violent behavior

Being the victim of physical abuse and/or sexual abuse

Exposure to violence in the home and/or community

Being the victim of bullying

Genetic (family heredity) factors

Exposure to violence in media (TV, movies, etc.)

Use of drugs and/or alcohol

Presence of firearms in home

Combination of stressful family socioeconomic factors (poverty, severe deprivation, marital breakup, single parenting, unemployment, loss of support from extended family)

Brain damage from head injury

What are the "warning signs" for violent behavior in children?
Children who have several risk factors and show the following behaviors should be carefully evaluated:

Intense anger

Frequent loss of temper or blow-ups

Extreme irritability

Extreme impulsiveness

Becoming easily frustrated

Parents and teachers should be careful not to minimize these behaviors in children.
What can be done if a child shows violent behavior?
Whenever a parent or other adult is concerned, they should immediately arrange for a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified mental health professional. Early treatment by a professional can often help. The goals of treatment typically focus on helping the child to: learn how to control his/her anger; express anger and frustrations in appropriate ways; be responsible for his/her actions; and accept consequences. In addition, family conflicts, school problems, and community issues must be addressed.
Can anything prevent violent behavior in children?
Research studies have shown that much violent behavior can be decreased or even prevented if the above risk factors are significantly reduced or eliminated. Most importantly, efforts should be directed at dramatically decreasing the exposure of children and adolescents to violence in the home, community, and through the media. Clearly, violence leads to violence.

In addition, the following strategies can lessen or prevent violent behavior:

Prevention of child abuse (use of programs such as parent training, family support programs, etc.)

Sex education and parenting programs for adolescents

Early identification and intervention programs for violent youngsters

Monitoring child's viewing of violence during their screen time including the Internet, tablets, smartphones, TV, videos, and movies.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
violent behavior in children and adolescents

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Violent Behavior in Children and Adolescents

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
There is a great concern about the incidence of violent behavior among children and adolescents.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Teen dating violence (TDV) occurs between two people in a close relationship and includes four types of behavior: physical violence, sexual violence, stalking and psychological aggression. TDV can take place in person or electronically, and it affects millions of U.S. teens each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly one in nine female teens and one in 13 male teens report experiencing physical dating violence in the last 12 months. Additionally, approximately one in seven female teens and one in nine male teens report experiencing sexual dating violence in the last 12 months.

Unhealthy relationships during adolescence can disrupt emotional development and contribute to other long-term negative effects. According to the CDC, teens who experience dating violence are more likely to exhibit antisocial behaviors, engage in unhealthy behaviors such as tobacco, drug and alcohol use, experience depression and anxiety, and consider suicide. These symptoms can continue into adulthood. Moreover, a long-term consequence of unhealthy relationships in adolescence is the increased risk of problems in future relationships. For example, individuals who experience TDV in high school are more likely to be revictimized in college.

Prevention initiatives include early education about safe dating practices. Efforts that provide education and information about healthy relationships often include components that address problem-solving skills and avoidance of risky behaviors. Dating Matters, a CDC initiative, raises awareness about teen dating violence and includes preventive strategies for individuals, peers, families, schools and neighborhoods.

Policymakers can play a role in preventing teen dating violence. At least 23 states have laws that allow, urge or require school boards to develop or include curriculum on teen dating violence. States have also adopted teen dating violence awareness weeks or months to bring attention to prevention and safe dating practices.

To find up-to-date information about injury prevention legislation, including teen dating violence prevention, please visit NCSL's Injury Prevention Legislation Database. This database allows you to search legislation by state, topic, keyword, year, status or primary sponsor.

To learn about other topics and additional resources, please return to the injury and violence prevention overview page.

State Laws on Teen Dating Violence

(as of July 2014)

Below is a list of enacted legislation through 2014 that addresses teen dating violence. To view current state actions related to teen dating violence, and other injury and violence prevention topics, please visit NCSL's Injury and Violence Prevention Legislation Database.

State

Description of Law

California

Calif. Educ. Code § 33530-33545 Includes sexual abuse prevention education in the "Health Framework for California Public Schools." Requires inclusion of discussion of healthy boundaries for relationships, how to recognize potentially harmful and abusive relationships and refusal skills to overcome peer pressure and to avoid high-risk activities.

Colorado
Colo., Sess. Laws, Chap. 303 (2013 HB 1081) Creates the comprehensive human sexuality education grant program in the department of public health and environment. Requires education programs to include instruction regarding the prevention of sexual violence in dating and teaching young people how to recognize and respond safely and effectively in situations where sexual or physical violence may be occurring.

Connecticut

2010 Conn. Acts, P.A. 91 (2010 HB 5315) Includes teen dating violence and domestic violence education as part of the in-service training program for certified teachers, administrators and pupil personnel.

2010 Conn. Acts, P.A. 137 (2010 HB 5246) Requires the Commissioner of Public Health to develop one public service announcement issued by the Department of Public Health through a televised broadcast for the purpose of preventing teen dating and family violence.

Florida

2010 Fla. Laws, Chap. 217 (2010 SB 642/HB 467) Requires a comprehensive health education taught in the public schools to include a component on teen dating violence and abuse for students in grades 7 through 12. Would require district school boards to adopt and implement a dating violence and abuse policy and provides policy requirements. Also would require the Department of Education to develop a model policy that includes school personnel training.

Fla. Stat. § 784.046 A victim of dating violence that has reasonable cause to believe he or she is in imminent danger of becoming the victim of another act of dating violence, or any person who has reasonable cause to believe he or she is in imminent danger of becoming the victim of an act of dating violence, or the parent or legal guardian of any minor child who is living at home and who seeks an injunction for protection against dating violence on behalf of that minor child, has standing in the circuit court to file a restraining order against the accused dating violence abuser.

Illinois

2013 Ill. Laws, P.A. 190 (2013 HB 3379) Amends the "Critical Health Problems and Comprehensive Health Education Act" and requires school boards to adopt a policy that: states that teen dating violence is unacceptable and is prohibited and that each student has the right to a safe learning environment; and incorporates age-appropriate education about teen dating violence into new or existing training programs for students in grades 7 through 12 and school employee.

Ill. Rev. Stat. ch. 105, §110/3 (2009 HB 973) Amends the Critical Health Problems and Comprehensive Health Education Act. Provides that the Comprehensive Health Education Program may include instruction on teen dating violence for specified grade levels.

Ill. Laws, P.A. 95-876 (2007 SB 2023/HB 1330) Requires the State Board of Education to convene an Ensuring Success in School Task Force to develop policies and procedures for addressing the educational and related needs of youth who are parents, expectant parents, or victims of domestic or sexual violence to ensure their ability to stay in school, and successfully complete their education. Adds one member appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate and one member appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives to the Task Force. The Task Force will issue a final report to the General Assembly in Spring of 2009.

Louisiana

La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17.81 Requires the governing authority of each public school to provide students in grades seven through 12 enrolled in health education instruction about teen dating violence.

Massachusetts

2010 Mass. Acts, Chap. 256 ( 2010 SB 2583) Requires school districts to implement a specific policy to address teen dating violence in public schools. These policies are required to clearly state that teen dating violence will not be tolerated, and need to include guidelines for addressing alleged incidents of teen dating violence.
2010 Mass. Acts, Chap. 92 (2010 SB 2404) Requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to establish standards that will provide for instruction in the issues of nutrition, physical education, AIDS education, violence prevention, including teen dating violence, bullying prevention, conflict resolution and drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse prevention.

Nebraska

Neb. Rev. Stat.§ 43 Sec. 79-2,142 (2009 LB 63) (originally LB 64, but added to LB 63 during session) Section 43-47 adopts the Lindsay Burke Act passed in Rhode Island in 2007. Would require the state department of education to develop a model policy for schools to address teen dating violence through their curriculum.

Ohio

Ohio Rev. Code Ann. §3313.60, 3313.666, and 3319.073 (2009 HB 19) Enacts the Tina Croucher Act. Requires school districts to adopt a dating violence prevention policy and to include dating violence prevention education within the health education curriculum.

2007 HB119 (Appropriations Bill) Requires the Franklin County Child and Family Health Services to support the Compdrug Teen Dating Violence Prevention Project. Comp Drug Inc. is an organization that offers services in prevention, intervention and treatment programs for persons with substance abuse problems and the largest provider of institutional and community based corrections programs.

Oregon

2012 Or. Laws, Chap. 69 Directs each school district board to adopt policy related to teen dating violence.

Pennsylvania

2010 Pa. Laws, Act 104 (2010 HB 101) Amends the terms and courses of study in the Public School Code of 1949 and provides for dating violence education.

Rhode Island

R.I. Gen. Laws §16-85, 16-21-30, and 16-22-24 (2007 SB 875/HB 6166) Establishes the Lindsay Anne Burke Act which requires the Department of Education to develop a model dating violence policy to assist school districts in developing policies for dating violence reporting and response. The model policy shall be implemented on or before April 1, 2008. Each school district's policy should include a policy for responding to incidents of dating violence and to provide dating violence education to students, parents, staff, faculty and administrators, in order to prevent dating violence and to address incidents involving dating violence. Click here to view Rhode Island Department of Education's policy on teen dating violence.

Texas

2011 House Bill 2496 (signed by Governor 6/17/2011) Creates a teen dating violence court program that includes a 12-week course to educate children who engage in dating violence and encourage them to refrain from engaging in that conduct. This law also provides for the deferral of adjudication and dismissal of certain dating violence cases.

Tex. Education Code Ann. §37.0821 (2007 HB121) Schools are required to develop and implement a dating violence policy. The school policy should provide training for teachers and administrators and awareness education for students and parents. It should also enforce protective orders or school based alternative including counseling for affected students. The policy is also required to addressing safety planning.

Virginia

2011 Va. Acts, Chap. 634 Requires that any family life education curriculum offered by a local school division is to include the Standards of Learning objectives related to dating violence and the characteristics of abusive relationships to be taught at least once in middle school and at least twice in high school. (SB 906 of 2011)

Va. Code Ann. § 22.1-207.1 (2007 HB 1916) Develops curriculum guidelines for teaching teen dating violence and all family life education in schools. The guidelines promote parental involvement, foster positive self concepts and provide mechanisms for coping with peer pressure and the stresses of modern living according to the students' developmental stages and abilities. The Board shall also establish requirements for appropriate training for teachers of family life education, which shall include training in instructional elements to support the various curriculum components.

Additional Resources

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
national conference of state legislatures

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Kate Blackman, Amber Bellazaire, Alise Garcia

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Teen dating violence (TDV) occurs between two people in a close relationship and includes four types of behavior: physical violence, sexual violence, stalking and psychological aggression. TDV can take place in person or electronically, and it affects millions of U.S. teens each year.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/talk-teens-teen-dating-violence/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Welcome to one of the most challenging phases of parenting-adolescence.

In all likelihood, your young teen is experiencing significant emotional, psychological and physical changes. And, while your teen needs you more than ever to help them through this challenging time, they are also seeking independence and turning to peers. While it may seem easier to let your teen shake you loose, hang on. They really do need you.

Right now, your teen is forming relationships that set the stage for future relationships. Given that 1 in 5 high schoolers experience dating violence, you'll want to be sure you do your part to help your child understand what a healthy relationship feels and looks like. Below you'll find information and tools to help you talk to your kids about healthy relationships, guidelines on how to navigate their world of cell phones and social networking and how to talk to your kids about being an upstander vs. a bystander when it comes to bullying.

Starting the Conversation Early

G If you suspect your teen may be a victim of abuse, you are the most important resource and advisor for your child. If you need support there are people and resources available to help. Remind your teen that he or she deserves a violence free relationship and that abuse is NEVER appropriate and NEVER their fault.

If you think your son or daughter may be controlling, abusive, or violent with his or her partner, tell your child that abuse and violence are NOT acceptable and that violence will not solve problems. Let him or her know when you truly care for someone you don't hurt them or try to control them. Abuse is a choice and there are resources and counselors that can help him or her understand the consequences, the alternatives to violence, and how to stop the abuse.

If your teen isn't ready to openly communicate with you about his or her relationship, let him or her know there are confidential resources and trained individuals available to answer questions and help avoid unhealthy relationships. Pass on the information below, but let your teen know you are always available to talk.
If at any time you feel that you or your teen are in immediate danger, call 911.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Talk to Teens About Dating Violence - Futures Without Violence

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome to one of the most challenging phases of parenting-adolescence. In all likelihood, your young teen is experiencing significant emotional, psychological and physical changes. And, while your teen needs you more than ever to help them through this challenging time, they are also seeking independence and turning to peers.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-teen-dating-violence

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
11 Facts About Teen Dating Violence | DoSomething.org | Volunteer for Social Change

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25% of high school girls have been abused physically or sexually.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Additional Federal Resources for Teen Dating Violence | Youth.gov

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Center for Substance Abuse Prevention(link is external) The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers free, web-based courses. Courses identify problems and risk factors, screening and assessment tools, prevention and intervention…

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Teen dating violence (TDV) occurs between two people in a close relationship and includes four types of behavior: physical violence, sexual violence, stalking and psychological aggression. TDV can take place in person or electronically, and it affects millions of U.S. teens each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly one in nine female teens and one in 13 male teens report experiencing physical dating violence in the last 12 months. Additionally, approximately one in seven female teens and one in nine male teens report experiencing sexual dating violence in the last 12 months.

Unhealthy relationships during adolescence can disrupt emotional development and contribute to other long-term negative effects. According to the CDC, teens who experience dating violence are more likely to exhibit antisocial behaviors, engage in unhealthy behaviors such as tobacco, drug and alcohol use, experience depression and anxiety, and consider suicide. These symptoms can continue into adulthood. Moreover, a long-term consequence of unhealthy relationships in adolescence is the increased risk of problems in future relationships. For example, individuals who experience TDV in high school are more likely to be revictimized in college.

Prevention initiatives include early education about safe dating practices. Efforts that provide education and information about healthy relationships often include components that address problem-solving skills and avoidance of risky behaviors. Dating Matters, a CDC initiative, raises awareness about teen dating violence and includes preventive strategies for individuals, peers, families, schools and neighborhoods.

Policymakers can play a role in preventing teen dating violence. At least 23 states have laws that allow, urge or require school boards to develop or include curriculum on teen dating violence. States have also adopted teen dating violence awareness weeks or months to bring attention to prevention and safe dating practices.

To find up-to-date information about injury prevention legislation, including teen dating violence prevention, please visit NCSL's Injury Prevention Legislation Database. This database allows you to search legislation by state, topic, keyword, year, status or primary sponsor.

To learn about other topics and additional resources, please return to the injury and violence prevention overview page.

State Laws on Teen Dating Violence

(as of July 2014)

Below is a list of enacted legislation through 2014 that addresses teen dating violence. To view current state actions related to teen dating violence, and other injury and violence prevention topics, please visit NCSL's Injury and Violence Prevention Legislation Database.

State

Description of Law

California

Calif. Educ. Code § 33530-33545 Includes sexual abuse prevention education in the "Health Framework for California Public Schools." Requires inclusion of discussion of healthy boundaries for relationships, how to recognize potentially harmful and abusive relationships and refusal skills to overcome peer pressure and to avoid high-risk activities.

Colorado
Colo., Sess. Laws, Chap. 303 (2013 HB 1081) Creates the comprehensive human sexuality education grant program in the department of public health and environment. Requires education programs to include instruction regarding the prevention of sexual violence in dating and teaching young people how to recognize and respond safely and effectively in situations where sexual or physical violence may be occurring.

Connecticut

2010 Conn. Acts, P.A. 91 (2010 HB 5315) Includes teen dating violence and domestic violence education as part of the in-service training program for certified teachers, administrators and pupil personnel.

2010 Conn. Acts, P.A. 137 (2010 HB 5246) Requires the Commissioner of Public Health to develop one public service announcement issued by the Department of Public Health through a televised broadcast for the purpose of preventing teen dating and family violence.

Florida

2010 Fla. Laws, Chap. 217 (2010 SB 642/HB 467) Requires a comprehensive health education taught in the public schools to include a component on teen dating violence and abuse for students in grades 7 through 12. Would require district school boards to adopt and implement a dating violence and abuse policy and provides policy requirements. Also would require the Department of Education to develop a model policy that includes school personnel training.

Fla. Stat. § 784.046 A victim of dating violence that has reasonable cause to believe he or she is in imminent danger of becoming the victim of another act of dating violence, or any person who has reasonable cause to believe he or she is in imminent danger of becoming the victim of an act of dating violence, or the parent or legal guardian of any minor child who is living at home and who seeks an injunction for protection against dating violence on behalf of that minor child, has standing in the circuit court to file a restraining order against the accused dating violence abuser.

Illinois

2013 Ill. Laws, P.A. 190 (2013 HB 3379) Amends the "Critical Health Problems and Comprehensive Health Education Act" and requires school boards to adopt a policy that: states that teen dating violence is unacceptable and is prohibited and that each student has the right to a safe learning environment; and incorporates age-appropriate education about teen dating violence into new or existing training programs for students in grades 7 through 12 and school employee.

Ill. Rev. Stat. ch. 105, §110/3 (2009 HB 973) Amends the Critical Health Problems and Comprehensive Health Education Act. Provides that the Comprehensive Health Education Program may include instruction on teen dating violence for specified grade levels.

Ill. Laws, P.A. 95-876 (2007 SB 2023/HB 1330) Requires the State Board of Education to convene an Ensuring Success in School Task Force to develop policies and procedures for addressing the educational and related needs of youth who are parents, expectant parents, or victims of domestic or sexual violence to ensure their ability to stay in school, and successfully complete their education. Adds one member appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate and one member appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives to the Task Force. The Task Force will issue a final report to the General Assembly in Spring of 2009.

Louisiana

La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17.81 Requires the governing authority of each public school to provide students in grades seven through 12 enrolled in health education instruction about teen dating violence.

Massachusetts

2010 Mass. Acts, Chap. 256 ( 2010 SB 2583) Requires school districts to implement a specific policy to address teen dating violence in public schools. These policies are required to clearly state that teen dating violence will not be tolerated, and need to include guidelines for addressing alleged incidents of teen dating violence.
2010 Mass. Acts, Chap. 92 (2010 SB 2404) Requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to establish standards that will provide for instruction in the issues of nutrition, physical education, AIDS education, violence prevention, including teen dating violence, bullying prevention, conflict resolution and drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse prevention.

Nebraska

Neb. Rev. Stat.§ 43 Sec. 79-2,142 (2009 LB 63) (originally LB 64, but added to LB 63 during session) Section 43-47 adopts the Lindsay Burke Act passed in Rhode Island in 2007. Would require the state department of education to develop a model policy for schools to address teen dating violence through their curriculum.

Ohio

Ohio Rev. Code Ann. §3313.60, 3313.666, and 3319.073 (2009 HB 19) Enacts the Tina Croucher Act. Requires school districts to adopt a dating violence prevention policy and to include dating violence prevention education within the health education curriculum.

2007 HB119 (Appropriations Bill) Requires the Franklin County Child and Family Health Services to support the Compdrug Teen Dating Violence Prevention Project. Comp Drug Inc. is an organization that offers services in prevention, intervention and treatment programs for persons with substance abuse problems and the largest provider of institutional and community based corrections programs.

Oregon

2012 Or. Laws, Chap. 69 Directs each school district board to adopt policy related to teen dating violence.

Pennsylvania

2010 Pa. Laws, Act 104 (2010 HB 101) Amends the terms and courses of study in the Public School Code of 1949 and provides for dating violence education.

Rhode Island

R.I. Gen. Laws §16-85, 16-21-30, and 16-22-24 (2007 SB 875/HB 6166) Establishes the Lindsay Anne Burke Act which requires the Department of Education to develop a model dating violence policy to assist school districts in developing policies for dating violence reporting and response. The model policy shall be implemented on or before April 1, 2008. Each school district's policy should include a policy for responding to incidents of dating violence and to provide dating violence education to students, parents, staff, faculty and administrators, in order to prevent dating violence and to address incidents involving dating violence. Click here to view Rhode Island Department of Education's policy on teen dating violence.

Texas

2011 House Bill 2496 (signed by Governor 6/17/2011) Creates a teen dating violence court program that includes a 12-week course to educate children who engage in dating violence and encourage them to refrain from engaging in that conduct. This law also provides for the deferral of adjudication and dismissal of certain dating violence cases.

Tex. Education Code Ann. §37.0821 (2007 HB121) Schools are required to develop and implement a dating violence policy. The school policy should provide training for teachers and administrators and awareness education for students and parents. It should also enforce protective orders or school based alternative including counseling for affected students. The policy is also required to addressing safety planning.

Virginia

2011 Va. Acts, Chap. 634 Requires that any family life education curriculum offered by a local school division is to include the Standards of Learning objectives related to dating violence and the characteristics of abusive relationships to be taught at least once in middle school and at least twice in high school. (SB 906 of 2011)

Va. Code Ann. § 22.1-207.1 (2007 HB 1916) Develops curriculum guidelines for teaching teen dating violence and all family life education in schools. The guidelines promote parental involvement, foster positive self concepts and provide mechanisms for coping with peer pressure and the stresses of modern living according to the students' developmental stages and abilities. The Board shall also establish requirements for appropriate training for teachers of family life education, which shall include training in instructional elements to support the various curriculum components.

Additional Resources

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
national conference of state legislatures

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Kate Blackman, Amber Bellazaire, Alise Garcia

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Teen dating violence (TDV) occurs between two people in a close relationship and includes four types of behavior: physical violence, sexual violence, stalking and psychological aggression. TDV can take place in person or electronically, and it affects millions of U.S. teens each year.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Teen violence refers to harmful behaviors that can start early and continue into young adulthood. Read about violent behavior and what to do about it.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Teen dating violence (TDV), also called, "dating violence", is an adverse childhood experience that affects millions of young people in the United States. Dating violence can take place in person, online, or through technology. It is a type of intimate partner violence that can include the following types of behavior:

Physical violence is when a person hurts or tries to hurt a partner by hitting, kicking, or using another type of physical force.

Sexual violence is forcing or attempting to force a partner to take part in a sex act and or sexual touching when the partner does not consent or is unable to consent or refuse. It also includes non-physical sexual behaviors like posting or sharing sexual pictures of a partner without their consent or sexting someone without their consent.

Psychological aggression is the use of verbal and non-verbal communication with the intent to harm a partner mentally or emotionally and exert control over a partner.

Stalking is a pattern of repeated, unwanted attention and contact by a current or former partner that causes fear or safety concern for an individual victim or someone close to the victim.

Teen dating violence profoundly impacts lifelong health, opportunity, and wellbeing. Unhealthy relationships can start early and last a lifetime. The good news is violence is preventable, and we can all help young people grow up violence-free.

Teens often think some behaviors, like teasing and name-calling, are a "normal" part of a relationship. However, these behaviors can become abusive and develop into serious forms of violence. Many teens do not report unhealthy behaviors because they are afraid to tell family and friends.

Teen dating violence is common. Data from CDC's Youth Risk Behavior Survey in 2019 indicate that among U.S. high school students who reported dating during the 12 months before the survey:

About 1 in 12 experienced physical dating violence.

About 1 in 12 experienced sexual dating violence.

Some teens are at greater risk than others. Female students experienced higher rates of physical and sexual dating violence than male students. Students who identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) or those who were unsure of their gender identity experienced higher rates of physical and sexual dating violence compared to students who identified as heterosexual.

Unhealthy, abusive, or violent relationships can have short-and long-term negative effects, including severe consequences, on a developing teen. Youth who are victims of teen dating violence are more likely to:

experience depression and anxiety symptoms

engage in unhealthy behaviors, like using tobacco, drugs, and alcohol

exhibit antisocial behaviors, like lying, theft, bullying, or hitting

think about suicide

Violence in an adolescent relationship sets the stage for future relationship problems, including intimate partner violence and sexual violence perpetration and/or victimization throughout life. For example, youth who are victims of dating violence in high school are at higher risk for victimization during college.

Supporting healthy, nonviolent relationships could reduce TDV and prevent its harmful, long-lasting effects on individuals, their families, and their communities. During the pre-teen and teen years, it is critical for youth to begin learning skills to create and maintain healthy relationships, including managing feelings and communicating in a healthy way. Research also highlights the need for prevention efforts that address the unique needs of teens who are at greater risk of experiencing teen dating violence.

CDC has developed resources to help communities focus their prevention efforts on what works to address risk and protective factors for violence. CDC's Dating Matters®: Strategies to Promote Healthy Teen Relationships focuses on 11-14-year-olds and includes multiple prevention components to promote healthy relationships and reduce behaviors that increase the risk of dating violence. Please visit the Dating Matters website to learn more.

CDC also developed Preventing Intimate Partner Violence Across the Lifespan: A Technical Package of Programs, Policies, and Practices pdf icon [4.52 MB, 64 Pages, 508] that describes strategies and approaches based on the best available evidence for preventing intimate partner violence, including teen dating violence. The resource includes multiple strategies that can be used in combination to prevent intimate partner violence and teen dating violence.

See Intimate Partner Violence Resources for articles, publications, data sources, and prevention resources for Teen Dating Violence.

1. Breiding MJ, Basile KC, Smith SG, Black MC, Mahendra RR. (2015). Intimate partner violence surveillance: uniform definitions and recommended data elements, version 2.0. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

2. Basile KC, Clayton HB, DeGue S, Gilford JW, Vagi KJ, Suarez NA, ... & Lowry R. (2020). Interpersonal Violence Victimization Among High School Students-Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2019. MMWR supplements, 69(1), 28.

3. Walls NE, Atterberry-Ash B, Kattari SK, Peitzmeier S. et al. (2019). Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation, Mental Health, and Bullying as Predictors of Partner Violence in a Representative Sample of Youth. Journal of Adolescent Health; 64(1): 86-92, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.08.011external icon .

4. Dank M, Lachman P, Zweig JM, and Yahner, J. (2014). Dating Violence Experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth. Journal of Youth and Adolescence; 43(5): 846-857, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-013-9975-8.

5. Foshee VA, McNaughton Reyes HL, Gottfredson NC, Chang LY, Ennett ST. (2013). A longitudinal examination of psychological, behavioral, academic, and relationship consequences of dating abuse victimization among a primarily rural sample of adolescents. Journal of Adolescent Health; 53(6):723-729.

6. Roberts TA, Klein JD, Fisher S. (2003). Longitudinal effect of intimate partner abuse on high-risk behavior among adolescents. Archives of Pediatric Adolescent Medicine; 157(9):875-881.

7. Exner-Cortens D, Eckenrode J, Rothman E. (2003). Longitudinal associations between teen dating violence victimization and adverse health outcomes. Pediatrics; 131(1):71-78.

8. Smith PH, White JW, Holland LJ. (2003). A longitudinal perspective on dating violence among adolescent and college-age women. American Journal of Public Health; 93(7):1104-1109.

9. Niolon PH, Kearns M, Dills J, Rambo K, Irving S, Armstead T, Gilbert L. (2017). Preventing Intimate Partner Violence Across the Lifespan: A Technical Package of Programs, Policies and Practices. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Page last reviewed:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Teen dating violence (TDV), also called, "dating violence", is an adverse childhood experience that affects millions of young people in the United States. Dating violence can take place in person, online, or through technology.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/intimatepartnerviolence/teendatingviolence/fastfact.html#:~:text=Teen%20dating%20violence%20is%20common,12%20experienced%20sexual%20dating%20violence.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Teen dating violence (TDV), also called, "dating violence", is an adverse childhood experience that affects millions of young people in the United States. Dating violence can take place in person, online, or through technology. It is a type of intimate partner violence that can include the following types of behavior:

Physical violence is when a person hurts or tries to hurt a partner by hitting, kicking, or using another type of physical force.

Sexual violence is forcing or attempting to force a partner to take part in a sex act and or sexual touching when the partner does not consent or is unable to consent or refuse. It also includes non-physical sexual behaviors like posting or sharing sexual pictures of a partner without their consent or sexting someone without their consent.

Psychological aggression is the use of verbal and non-verbal communication with the intent to harm a partner mentally or emotionally and exert control over a partner.

Stalking is a pattern of repeated, unwanted attention and contact by a current or former partner that causes fear or safety concern for an individual victim or someone close to the victim.

Teen dating violence profoundly impacts lifelong health, opportunity, and wellbeing. Unhealthy relationships can start early and last a lifetime. The good news is violence is preventable, and we can all help young people grow up violence-free.

Teens often think some behaviors, like teasing and name-calling, are a "normal" part of a relationship. However, these behaviors can become abusive and develop into serious forms of violence. Many teens do not report unhealthy behaviors because they are afraid to tell family and friends.

Teen dating violence is common. Data from CDC's Youth Risk Behavior Survey in 2019 indicate that among U.S. high school students who reported dating during the 12 months before the survey:

About 1 in 12 experienced physical dating violence.

About 1 in 12 experienced sexual dating violence.

Some teens are at greater risk than others. Female students experienced higher rates of physical and sexual dating violence than male students. Students who identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) or those who were unsure of their gender identity experienced higher rates of physical and sexual dating violence compared to students who identified as heterosexual.

Unhealthy, abusive, or violent relationships can have short-and long-term negative effects, including severe consequences, on a developing teen. Youth who are victims of teen dating violence are more likely to:

experience depression and anxiety symptoms

engage in unhealthy behaviors, like using tobacco, drugs, and alcohol

exhibit antisocial behaviors, like lying, theft, bullying, or hitting

think about suicide

Violence in an adolescent relationship sets the stage for future relationship problems, including intimate partner violence and sexual violence perpetration and/or victimization throughout life. For example, youth who are victims of dating violence in high school are at higher risk for victimization during college.

Supporting healthy, nonviolent relationships could reduce TDV and prevent its harmful, long-lasting effects on individuals, their families, and their communities. During the pre-teen and teen years, it is critical for youth to begin learning skills to create and maintain healthy relationships, including managing feelings and communicating in a healthy way. Research also highlights the need for prevention efforts that address the unique needs of teens who are at greater risk of experiencing teen dating violence.

CDC has developed resources to help communities focus their prevention efforts on what works to address risk and protective factors for violence. CDC's Dating Matters®: Strategies to Promote Healthy Teen Relationships focuses on 11-14-year-olds and includes multiple prevention components to promote healthy relationships and reduce behaviors that increase the risk of dating violence. Please visit the Dating Matters website to learn more.

CDC also developed Preventing Intimate Partner Violence Across the Lifespan: A Technical Package of Programs, Policies, and Practices pdf icon [4.52 MB, 64 Pages, 508] that describes strategies and approaches based on the best available evidence for preventing intimate partner violence, including teen dating violence. The resource includes multiple strategies that can be used in combination to prevent intimate partner violence and teen dating violence.

See Intimate Partner Violence Resources for articles, publications, data sources, and prevention resources for Teen Dating Violence.

1. Breiding MJ, Basile KC, Smith SG, Black MC, Mahendra RR. (2015). Intimate partner violence surveillance: uniform definitions and recommended data elements, version 2.0. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

2. Basile KC, Clayton HB, DeGue S, Gilford JW, Vagi KJ, Suarez NA, ... & Lowry R. (2020). Interpersonal Violence Victimization Among High School Students-Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2019. MMWR supplements, 69(1), 28.

3. Walls NE, Atterberry-Ash B, Kattari SK, Peitzmeier S. et al. (2019). Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation, Mental Health, and Bullying as Predictors of Partner Violence in a Representative Sample of Youth. Journal of Adolescent Health; 64(1): 86-92, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.08.011external icon .

4. Dank M, Lachman P, Zweig JM, and Yahner, J. (2014). Dating Violence Experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth. Journal of Youth and Adolescence; 43(5): 846-857, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-013-9975-8.

5. Foshee VA, McNaughton Reyes HL, Gottfredson NC, Chang LY, Ennett ST. (2013). A longitudinal examination of psychological, behavioral, academic, and relationship consequences of dating abuse victimization among a primarily rural sample of adolescents. Journal of Adolescent Health; 53(6):723-729.

6. Roberts TA, Klein JD, Fisher S. (2003). Longitudinal effect of intimate partner abuse on high-risk behavior among adolescents. Archives of Pediatric Adolescent Medicine; 157(9):875-881.

7. Exner-Cortens D, Eckenrode J, Rothman E. (2003). Longitudinal associations between teen dating violence victimization and adverse health outcomes. Pediatrics; 131(1):71-78.

8. Smith PH, White JW, Holland LJ. (2003). A longitudinal perspective on dating violence among adolescent and college-age women. American Journal of Public Health; 93(7):1104-1109.

9. Niolon PH, Kearns M, Dills J, Rambo K, Irving S, Armstead T, Gilbert L. (2017). Preventing Intimate Partner Violence Across the Lifespan: A Technical Package of Programs, Policies and Practices. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Teen dating violence (TDV), also called, "dating violence", is an adverse childhood experience that affects millions of young people in the United States. Dating violence can take place in person, online, or through technology.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Teen dating violence - also called intimate relationship violence or intimate partner violence among adolescents or adolescent relationship abuse - includes physical, psychological or sexual abuse; harassment; or stalking of any person ages 12 to 18 in the context of a past or present romantic or consensual relationship.

Building off a long history of research in the area of intimate partner violence, NIJ is now looking to relationships during adolescence to understand the factors that put individuals at risk for involvement in abusive romantic relationships as adults.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Teen dating violence - also called intimate relationship violence or intimate partner violence among adolescents or adolescent relationship abuse - includes physical, psychological or sexual abuse; harassment; or stalking of any person ages 12 to 18 in the context of a past or present romantic or consensual relationship.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Teen Dating Violence Month

Together we can put a stop to teen dating violence

Find out more

Teen Dating Violence and Criminal Consequences

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Teen dating violence, also known as intimate partner violence or intimate relationship violence, is a serious problem in the U.S., affecting approximately 10% of all teenagers between the age of 12 to 18. It includes stalking, harassment, physical or sexual abuse.

According to the Center for Disease Control, teen DV has both serious short-term and long-term consequences. While healthy relationships tend to have a positive effect on emotional development and future relationships, abusive relationships often do the opposite. Dating violence victims are likely to experience suicidal thoughts, antisocial behaviors, depression and anxiety, and engage in unhealthy behaviors such as alcohol and drug use.

Unfortunately, many cases go unreported because victims are afraid to tell their family and friends. If you are experiencing dating abuse, then please get help immediately. We include various resources to assist you. If, on the other hand, you have been accused of violence, you may face serious criminal charges and might need a criminal defense attorney to assist you.

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Throughout February, organizations and individuals nationwide are coming together to highlight the need to educate young people about dating violence, teach healthy relationship skills and prevent the devastating cycle of abuse. With their adult allies, youth activists achieved a major victory in 2005 and 2013 when the importance of addressing teen dating abuse was highlighted in the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. Both Chambers of Congress have declared the entire month of February to teen dating violence awareness and prevention.

Please visit our resource center for more information. Also, visit Love Is Respect to find out more about Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

United States Teen Dating Violence Stats

Domestic violence causes physical, mental, and emotional stress. If...

Read More

When a partner makes false accusations in a relationship, it can be...

Read More

Most people do not know that domestic violence laws in California apply...

Read More

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention | Info on Teen Dating Violence

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Teen Dating Violence Month Together we can put a stop to teen dating violence Find out more Teen Dating Violence and Criminal Consequences Teenagers are diving... Teen Dating Violence and Criminal Consequences Teenagers are diving... What is Teen Dating Violence? Dating is an inevitable part of life that many...

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https://youth.gov/youth-topics/teen-dating-violence

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Healthy relationships consist of trust, honesty, respect, equality, and compromise. Unfortunately, teen dating violence-the type of intimate partner violence that occurs between two young people who are, or who were once in, an intimate relationship-is a serious problem in the United States. A national survey found that ten percent of teens, female and male, had been the victims of physical dating violence within the past year and approximately 29 percent of adolescents reported being verbally or psychologically abused within the previous year.

Teen dating violence can be any one, or a combination, of the following:

Physical. This includes pinching, hitting, shoving, or kicking.

Emotional. This involves threatening a partner or harming his or her sense of self-worth. Examples include name calling, controlling/jealous behaviors, consistent monitoring, shaming, bullying (online, texting, and in person), intentionally embarrassing him/her, keeping him/her away from friends and family.

Sexual. This is defined as forcing a partner to engage in a sex act when he or she does not or cannot consent.

It can negatively influence the development of healthy sexuality, intimacy, and identity as youth grow into adulthood and can increase the risk of physical injury, poor academic performance, binge drinking, suicide attempts, unhealthy sexual behaviors, substance abuse, negative body image and self-esteem, and violence in future relationships.

Teen dating violence can be prevented, especially when there is a focus on reducing risk factors as well as fostering protective factors, and when teens are empowered through family, friends, and others (including role models such as teachers, coaches, mentors, and youth group leaders) to lead healthy lives and establish healthy relationships. It is important to create spaces, such as school communities, where the behavioral norms are not tolerant of abuse in dating relationships. The message must be clear that treating people in abusive ways will not be accepted, and policies must enforce this message to keep students safe.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Healthy relationships consist of trust, honesty, respect, equality, and compromise. Unfortunately, teen dating violence-the type of intimate partner violence that occurs between two young people who are, or who were once in, an intimate relationship-is a serious problem in the United States.

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Dating violence is more common than people think, especially among teens and young adults: one in three teens in the US will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they're in a relationship with before they become adults, and nearly half (43%) of college women report experiencing violent or abusive dating behaviors.

Every February, young people and their loved ones join together across the country for a national effort to raise awareness about the issue of teen dating violence through Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM). This annual, month-long push focuses on advocacy and education to stop dating abuse before it starts.

We are so excited to announce the theme for TDVAM 2022 is Talk About It. Talk About It is a call to action to young people and those who support them to engage in meaningful conversations about healthy relationships and navigate what may be unhealthy or even abusive.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Dating violence is more common than people think, especially among teens and young adults: one in three teens in the US will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they're in a relationship with before they become adults, and nearly half (43%) of college women report experiencing violent or abusive dating behaviors.

# data[].attributes.body
https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/crimes/teen-dating-violence

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Teen dating violence - also called intimate relationship violence or intimate partner violence among adolescents or adolescent relationship abuse - includes physical, psychological or sexual abuse; harassment; or stalking of any person ages 12 to 18 in the context of a past or present romantic or consensual relationship.

Building off a long history of research in the area of intimate partner violence, NIJ is now looking to relationships during adolescence to understand the factors that put individuals at risk for involvement in abusive romantic relationships as adults.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Teen dating violence - also called intimate relationship violence or intimate partner violence among adolescents or adolescent relationship abuse - includes physical, psychological or sexual abuse; harassment; or stalking of any person ages 12 to 18 in the context of a past or present romantic or consensual relationship.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Results of a recent national survey indicate that approximately 12 percent of high school students have experienced physical dating violence, but surveys have found prevalence rates for teen dating violence that range between 9 percent and 57 percent. Research into the dynamics of dating violence has exposed the differences between teen dating violence and adult abusive relationships. Most importantly, findings have suggested that non-sexual violence in dating relationships is equally perpetrated by both males and females. However, research also shows that females suffer more negative consequences of violence directed at them, especially in terms of physical harm. Risk factors for both inflicting and sustaining dating violence that have been identified in the research literature are discussed and include prior exposure to violence, attitudes that violence is acceptable, peer influence, and the presence of other problem behaviors such as drug use and engagement in risky sexual behaviors. Directions for future research are identified, such as research into the experiences of dating violence among gay, lesbian, and bisexual adolescents. References

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Teen Dating Violence: A Review of Risk Factors and Prevention Efforts

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Results of a recent national survey indicate that approximately 12 percent of high school students have experienced physical dating violence, but surveys have found prevalence rates for teen dating violence that range between 9 percent and 57 percent. Research into the dynamics of dating violence has exposed the differences between teen dating violence and adult abusive relationships.

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© 2026. All Rights Reserved. Funding provided by Health and Human Services Office of Adolescent Health Connectspartanburg.org may, as a convenience to users, provide links to third-party content and other websites. We do not endorse, sponsor, or accept any responsibility for such material. The Spartanburg Regional Foundation is not responsible for the content or privacy practices of any linked sites. Publication was made possible by Grant Number TP1AH000229-01-00 from the Office of Population Affairs. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Office of Population Affairs.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Teen Dating Violence Month

Together we can put a stop to teen dating violence

Find out more

Teen Dating Violence and Criminal Consequences

Teenagers are diving...

Teen Dating Violence and Criminal Consequences

Teenagers are diving...

What is Teen Dating Violence?

Dating is an inevitable part of life that many...

What is Teen Dating Violence?

Dating is an inevitable part of life that many...

Gaming Against Teen Dating Violence

Video games with...

Gaming Against Teen Dating Violence

Video games with...

Civil Damages in a Domestic Violence Lawsuit

Are you a victim of...

Civil Damages in a Domestic Violence Lawsuit

Are you a victim of...

Teen dating violence, also known as intimate partner violence or intimate relationship violence, is a serious problem in the U.S., affecting approximately 10% of all teenagers between the age of 12 to 18. It includes stalking, harassment, physical or sexual abuse.

According to the Center for Disease Control, teen DV has both serious short-term and long-term consequences. While healthy relationships tend to have a positive effect on emotional development and future relationships, abusive relationships often do the opposite. Dating violence victims are likely to experience suicidal thoughts, antisocial behaviors, depression and anxiety, and engage in unhealthy behaviors such as alcohol and drug use.

Unfortunately, many cases go unreported because victims are afraid to tell their family and friends. If you are experiencing dating abuse, then please get help immediately. We include various resources to assist you. If, on the other hand, you have been accused of violence, you may face serious criminal charges and might need a criminal defense attorney to assist you.

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Throughout February, organizations and individuals nationwide are coming together to highlight the need to educate young people about dating violence, teach healthy relationship skills and prevent the devastating cycle of abuse. With their adult allies, youth activists achieved a major victory in 2005 and 2013 when the importance of addressing teen dating abuse was highlighted in the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. Both Chambers of Congress have declared the entire month of February to teen dating violence awareness and prevention.

Please visit our resource center for more information. Also, visit Love Is Respect to find out more about Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

United States Teen Dating Violence Stats

Domestic violence causes physical, mental, and emotional stress. If...

Read More

When a partner makes false accusations in a relationship, it can be...

Read More

Most people do not know that domestic violence laws in California apply...

Read More

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention | Info on Teen Dating Violence

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Teen Dating Violence Month Together we can put a stop to teen dating violence Find out more Teen Dating Violence and Criminal Consequences Teenagers are diving... Teen Dating Violence and Criminal Consequences Teenagers are diving... What is Teen Dating Violence? Dating is an inevitable part of life that many...

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Victims of teen dating violence often keep the abuse a secret. They should be encouraged to reach out to trusted adults like parents, teachers, school counselors, youth advisors, or health care providers. They can also seek confidential counsel and advice from professionally trained adults and peers.

Resources for teens involved in abusive relationships include the following:
The National Domestic Violence Hotline 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) or 1.800.787.3224 (TTY)
Established in 1996 as a component of the Violence Against Women Act passed by Congress, the Hotline is a nonprofit organization that provides crisis intervention, information, and referral to victims of domestic violence, perpetrators, friends, and families. The Hotline is a resource for domestic violence advocates, government officials, law enforcement agencies, and the general public. The Hotline serves as the only domestic violence hotline in the nation with access to more than 5,000 shelters and domestic violence programs across the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Advocates receive approximately 21,000 calls each month. The Hotline is toll-free, confidential, and anonymous.

The National Centers for Victims of Crime (NCVC) 1-800-FYI-CALL

A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization supported by members, individual donors, corporations, foundations, and government grants, NCVC can help find local victim services counselors for young people in trouble. NCVC is the nation's leading resource and advocacy organization for crime victims and those who serve them. Since its inception in 1985, NCVC has worked with grassroots organizations and criminal justice agencies throughout the United States serving millions of crime victims.
The National Dating Abuse Helpline 1.866.331.9474
A service of Love is Respect, this national, 24-hour resource is specifically designed for teens and young adults. The Helpline is accessible by phone or online chat and offers real-time, one-on-one support from peer advocates trained to offer support, information, and advocacy to those involved in dating abuse relationships as well as concerned friends, parents, teachers, clergy, law enforcement, and service providers.

A national, nonprofit organization (supported by many philanthropic organizations, government entities and senators, and members of the entertainment industry) which addresses teen dating violence, Break the Cycle's mission is to engage, educate, and empower youth to build lives and communities free from domestic violence. Break the Cycle provides resources and information for teens, educators, parents, supporters, and the media. The Break the Cycle website provides information about curricula, policy information, legal help and services, public awareness campaigns, and trainings related to teen dating violence.

A collaboration between Break the Cycle and the National Dating Abuse Helpline, this web resource provides information and resources on dating violence and healthy dating attitudes and relationships for youth. The site includes an overview of the issue (e.g., early warning signs, types of abuse, the cycle of abuse), quizzes for teens to determine whether they are experiencing or inflicting abuse, a live chat feature that connects youth with a peer advocate 24/7, videos, a blog, and more. In addition to the live chat, Love is Respect connects youth to the National Dating Abuse Helpline at 1-866-331-9474 or 1-866-331-8453. Youth can also reach out for help by texting "loveis" to 22522.

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Victims of teen dating violence often keep the abuse a secret. They should be encouraged to reach out to trusted adults like parents, teachers, school counselors, youth advisors, or health care providers. They can also seek confidential counsel and advice from professionally trained adults and peers.

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https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/teen-dating-violence.aspx

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Teen dating violence (TDV) occurs between two people in a close relationship and includes four types of behavior: physical violence, sexual violence, stalking and psychological aggression. TDV can take place in person or electronically, and it affects millions of U.S. teens each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly one in nine female teens and one in 13 male teens report experiencing physical dating violence in the last 12 months. Additionally, approximately one in seven female teens and one in nine male teens report experiencing sexual dating violence in the last 12 months.

Unhealthy relationships during adolescence can disrupt emotional development and contribute to other long-term negative effects. According to the CDC, teens who experience dating violence are more likely to exhibit antisocial behaviors, engage in unhealthy behaviors such as tobacco, drug and alcohol use, experience depression and anxiety, and consider suicide. These symptoms can continue into adulthood. Moreover, a long-term consequence of unhealthy relationships in adolescence is the increased risk of problems in future relationships. For example, individuals who experience TDV in high school are more likely to be revictimized in college.

Prevention initiatives include early education about safe dating practices. Efforts that provide education and information about healthy relationships often include components that address problem-solving skills and avoidance of risky behaviors. Dating Matters, a CDC initiative, raises awareness about teen dating violence and includes preventive strategies for individuals, peers, families, schools and neighborhoods.

Policymakers can play a role in preventing teen dating violence. At least 23 states have laws that allow, urge or require school boards to develop or include curriculum on teen dating violence. States have also adopted teen dating violence awareness weeks or months to bring attention to prevention and safe dating practices.

To find up-to-date information about injury prevention legislation, including teen dating violence prevention, please visit NCSL's Injury Prevention Legislation Database. This database allows you to search legislation by state, topic, keyword, year, status or primary sponsor.

To learn about other topics and additional resources, please return to the injury and violence prevention overview page.

State Laws on Teen Dating Violence

(as of July 2014)

Below is a list of enacted legislation through 2014 that addresses teen dating violence. To view current state actions related to teen dating violence, and other injury and violence prevention topics, please visit NCSL's Injury and Violence Prevention Legislation Database.

State

Description of Law

California

Calif. Educ. Code § 33530-33545 Includes sexual abuse prevention education in the "Health Framework for California Public Schools." Requires inclusion of discussion of healthy boundaries for relationships, how to recognize potentially harmful and abusive relationships and refusal skills to overcome peer pressure and to avoid high-risk activities.

Colorado
Colo., Sess. Laws, Chap. 303 (2013 HB 1081) Creates the comprehensive human sexuality education grant program in the department of public health and environment. Requires education programs to include instruction regarding the prevention of sexual violence in dating and teaching young people how to recognize and respond safely and effectively in situations where sexual or physical violence may be occurring.

Connecticut

2010 Conn. Acts, P.A. 91 (2010 HB 5315) Includes teen dating violence and domestic violence education as part of the in-service training program for certified teachers, administrators and pupil personnel.

2010 Conn. Acts, P.A. 137 (2010 HB 5246) Requires the Commissioner of Public Health to develop one public service announcement issued by the Department of Public Health through a televised broadcast for the purpose of preventing teen dating and family violence.

Florida

2010 Fla. Laws, Chap. 217 (2010 SB 642/HB 467) Requires a comprehensive health education taught in the public schools to include a component on teen dating violence and abuse for students in grades 7 through 12. Would require district school boards to adopt and implement a dating violence and abuse policy and provides policy requirements. Also would require the Department of Education to develop a model policy that includes school personnel training.

Fla. Stat. § 784.046 A victim of dating violence that has reasonable cause to believe he or she is in imminent danger of becoming the victim of another act of dating violence, or any person who has reasonable cause to believe he or she is in imminent danger of becoming the victim of an act of dating violence, or the parent or legal guardian of any minor child who is living at home and who seeks an injunction for protection against dating violence on behalf of that minor child, has standing in the circuit court to file a restraining order against the accused dating violence abuser.

Illinois

2013 Ill. Laws, P.A. 190 (2013 HB 3379) Amends the "Critical Health Problems and Comprehensive Health Education Act" and requires school boards to adopt a policy that: states that teen dating violence is unacceptable and is prohibited and that each student has the right to a safe learning environment; and incorporates age-appropriate education about teen dating violence into new or existing training programs for students in grades 7 through 12 and school employee.

Ill. Rev. Stat. ch. 105, §110/3 (2009 HB 973) Amends the Critical Health Problems and Comprehensive Health Education Act. Provides that the Comprehensive Health Education Program may include instruction on teen dating violence for specified grade levels.

Ill. Laws, P.A. 95-876 (2007 SB 2023/HB 1330) Requires the State Board of Education to convene an Ensuring Success in School Task Force to develop policies and procedures for addressing the educational and related needs of youth who are parents, expectant parents, or victims of domestic or sexual violence to ensure their ability to stay in school, and successfully complete their education. Adds one member appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate and one member appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives to the Task Force. The Task Force will issue a final report to the General Assembly in Spring of 2009.

Louisiana

La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17.81 Requires the governing authority of each public school to provide students in grades seven through 12 enrolled in health education instruction about teen dating violence.

Massachusetts

2010 Mass. Acts, Chap. 256 ( 2010 SB 2583) Requires school districts to implement a specific policy to address teen dating violence in public schools. These policies are required to clearly state that teen dating violence will not be tolerated, and need to include guidelines for addressing alleged incidents of teen dating violence.
2010 Mass. Acts, Chap. 92 (2010 SB 2404) Requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to establish standards that will provide for instruction in the issues of nutrition, physical education, AIDS education, violence prevention, including teen dating violence, bullying prevention, conflict resolution and drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse prevention.

Nebraska

Neb. Rev. Stat.§ 43 Sec. 79-2,142 (2009 LB 63) (originally LB 64, but added to LB 63 during session) Section 43-47 adopts the Lindsay Burke Act passed in Rhode Island in 2007. Would require the state department of education to develop a model policy for schools to address teen dating violence through their curriculum.

Ohio

Ohio Rev. Code Ann. §3313.60, 3313.666, and 3319.073 (2009 HB 19) Enacts the Tina Croucher Act. Requires school districts to adopt a dating violence prevention policy and to include dating violence prevention education within the health education curriculum.

2007 HB119 (Appropriations Bill) Requires the Franklin County Child and Family Health Services to support the Compdrug Teen Dating Violence Prevention Project. Comp Drug Inc. is an organization that offers services in prevention, intervention and treatment programs for persons with substance abuse problems and the largest provider of institutional and community based corrections programs.

Oregon

2012 Or. Laws, Chap. 69 Directs each school district board to adopt policy related to teen dating violence.

Pennsylvania

2010 Pa. Laws, Act 104 (2010 HB 101) Amends the terms and courses of study in the Public School Code of 1949 and provides for dating violence education.

Rhode Island

R.I. Gen. Laws §16-85, 16-21-30, and 16-22-24 (2007 SB 875/HB 6166) Establishes the Lindsay Anne Burke Act which requires the Department of Education to develop a model dating violence policy to assist school districts in developing policies for dating violence reporting and response. The model policy shall be implemented on or before April 1, 2008. Each school district's policy should include a policy for responding to incidents of dating violence and to provide dating violence education to students, parents, staff, faculty and administrators, in order to prevent dating violence and to address incidents involving dating violence. Click here to view Rhode Island Department of Education's policy on teen dating violence.

Texas

2011 House Bill 2496 (signed by Governor 6/17/2011) Creates a teen dating violence court program that includes a 12-week course to educate children who engage in dating violence and encourage them to refrain from engaging in that conduct. This law also provides for the deferral of adjudication and dismissal of certain dating violence cases.

Tex. Education Code Ann. §37.0821 (2007 HB121) Schools are required to develop and implement a dating violence policy. The school policy should provide training for teachers and administrators and awareness education for students and parents. It should also enforce protective orders or school based alternative including counseling for affected students. The policy is also required to addressing safety planning.

Virginia

2011 Va. Acts, Chap. 634 Requires that any family life education curriculum offered by a local school division is to include the Standards of Learning objectives related to dating violence and the characteristics of abusive relationships to be taught at least once in middle school and at least twice in high school. (SB 906 of 2011)

Va. Code Ann. § 22.1-207.1 (2007 HB 1916) Develops curriculum guidelines for teaching teen dating violence and all family life education in schools. The guidelines promote parental involvement, foster positive self concepts and provide mechanisms for coping with peer pressure and the stresses of modern living according to the students' developmental stages and abilities. The Board shall also establish requirements for appropriate training for teachers of family life education, which shall include training in instructional elements to support the various curriculum components.

Additional Resources

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national conference of state legislatures

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Kate Blackman, Amber Bellazaire, Alise Garcia

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Teen dating violence (TDV) occurs between two people in a close relationship and includes four types of behavior: physical violence, sexual violence, stalking and psychological aggression. TDV can take place in person or electronically, and it affects millions of U.S. teens each year.