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Teen Dating Violence

Think that relationship abuse only happens to married adults? Think again. Teens are victims of violence and abuse from the hands of a partner at the same rate as adults. And it's just as serious.

Just check out these statistics:

  • 1 in 5 dating couples report some form of violence (sexual or physical) in their relationship.
  • 40% of teenage girls ages 14 to 17 say they know someone their age who has been hit or beaten by a boyfriend.
  • In one study, up to 50% of female high school students reported having already experienced teen dating violence.
  • In 1995, 7% of all murder victims were young women who were killed by their boyfriends.
  • 68% of teenage rape victims know the rapist as either boyfriend or friend.
  • Women ages 16 to 24 experience the highest per capita rates of domestic violence.

(Bureau of Justice Special Report: Intimate Partner Violence, May 2000)

 

Dating Bill of Rights

I HAVE A RIGHT TO:

  • Ask for a date
  • Refuse a date
  • Refuse any activities, even if my date is excited about them
  • Have my own feelings and be able to express them
  • Tell someone not to interrupt me
  • Have my limits and values respected
  • Tell my partner when I need affection
  • Refuse affection
  • Be heard
  • Refuse to lend money
  • Refuse sex at any time, for any reason
  • Have friends and space aside from my partner
  • Be treated and respected as an equal
  • Be safe and free of abuse
  • Say "no" at any time for any reason