1 in 3 teenages experience violence in a dating relationship.

Most victims are young women.

Teen dating violence is often hidden due to inexperience in dating, wanting independence from parents, and romantic views of love.

Young men may believe they have the right to control or possess their partner.

Dating violence crosses all racial, economic and social lines.

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Advise your teen of warning signs: Do they feel nervous around their partner? Do they have to be careful to control their behavior to avoid the partner’Äôs anger, are they scared of disagreeing? Is their partner always checking up on them, does their partner ask them to change? Does jealousy stop them from seeing friends or family? Has the partner ever threatened them? Does the partner say they will kill themselves if they breakup? Does the partner make excuses for their behavior?

What to do: approach your teen with, "What qualities have drawn you to this person?" This might spark an internal conversation within your teen to re-evaluate their relationship. If you suspect abuse, try approaching your teen with, "I’Äôm worried about you." Take the abuse seriously, focus on their safety, help them recognize what abuse is and encourage counseling. Questions you can ask include: What can I do to help? How has the partner’Äôs behavior made you feel? How is it affecting you? Create a safety plan.