Overview

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  The world is full of dangers for teens, even in terms of dating. Dating violence takes a number of forms, but in general it refers to physical, verbal, emotional or sexual abuse against a teen by his or her partner. In some cases, violent behavior occurs in school, but incidences of dating violence also take place outside of school. Teens are often afraid to tell anyone about the behavior, which makes it even more important for friends and family to learn about the different types of teen dating violence.
  
  

Physical

• Physical violence refers to a physical action by one person against the person they are dating. This may include hitting, punching and shoving. Warning signs in teens include physical injuries caused by the abuse, such as a black eye, scratches or bruises. Teens may be unable or unwilling to explain the source of the injuries.
  
  

Emotional

• Emotional abuse is behavior intended to undermine the victim or make him or her feel bad about their body or personality. Emotional abuse can also include the spreading of lies and rumors about the victim. Possessive behavior is another form of emotional abuse. An abuser may refuse to allow the victim to go out with their friends, talk to other boys or even attend school events.
  
  

Sexual

• Sexual violence includes any type of unwanted touching. Behaviors in teens may include such acts as grabbing or rubbing against a female classmate in a school hallway. The most extreme form of sexual violence is rape. Date rape, in which a victim is raped by someone they are dating, is common among teens.
  
  

Psychological

• Psychological dating violence includes any behavior by the the abuser aimed at controlling the victim. This includes playing emotional games with the victim, making him or her feel bad about herself and lowering her self-confidence. The brightfutures.org website lists other types of psychological abuse, including controlling behavior, manipulation and guilt -tripping ("If you loved me, you would..."). A common example is when the abuser makes the victim feel as if she has no friends and can’t have a life away from him.
  
  

Verbal

• Verbal abuse is any type of abuse put into words. The abuser may scream at a partner, degrade her in front of others, talk down to her or ridicule their appearance, clothing or personality.