Teen Dating Abuse by the NUMBERS

BY THE NUMBERS
Nearly one in 10 teens in serious relationships say they have been deliberately hit, slapped or shoved by a boy- or girlfriend.

One in three teen girls who are sexually active say they have been physically or sexually assaulted by their partners.

One in four teenage girls say they have been verbally or physically abused by their dates.
About 30 percent of all teens in serious relationships say they have received as many as 30 text messages per hour from partners demanding to know where they are, with whom and why.

Ten percent say they get text messages or e-mails from their boyfriends or girlfriends threatening physical abuse.

-- Sources: Family Violence Prevention Fund; Teenage Research Unlimited survey for Liz Claiborne Inc. 2007



RED FLAGS
Occasional arguments are one thing. But patterns of manipulation, emotional abuse and violence can quickly spiral from mental distress to physical harm. One red flag is a warning. Several mean you need help.

Key warnings signs are when your boyfriend or girlfriend:

Belittles you and makes you feel bad.

Tries to control where you go, what you wear or what you do

Exhibits signs of extreme jealousy or possessiveness

Frightens or intimidates you

Threatens harm if you decide to end the relationship

Isolates you from your friends and family

Has broken or thrown something at you in anger

Has ever hit, slapped, shoved or kicked you, or forced you to have sex

--Excerpted from LoveIsRespect.org

GET HELP
National Teen Dating Abuse 24/7 Helpline: 1-866-331-9474