What Is Teen Dating Violence? When to Seek Legal Help

Teen dating violence is a serious issue that affects millions of teenagers in the United States each year; it is physical, sexual, psychological, or emotional abuse between two dating individuals.

This type of violence can be highly damaging, both physically and emotionally, and can have lasting effects on a person's development and self-esteem.

Unfortunately, teenage dating violence is all too common. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) states that one in three teenagers has experienced dating abuse. 

These relationships can be characterized by possessiveness, jealousy, power imbalance, and difficulty communicating.

Signs of an Abusive Teen Relationship

It is essential to recognize the signs of a potentially abusive relationship. Warning signs can include controlling behavior, such as making all the decisions or isolating their partner from friends and family.

Other signs can include:

Isolation: One of the most common signs of teenage relationship violence is when one partner attempts to isolate another from their friends and family. This could be done by discouraging the other person from spending time with their friends or family or trying to control who they talk to.

Controlling behavior: Another sign of teenage relationship violence is when one partner attempts to control the other's behavior. This could be done through verbal abuse, physical intimidation, or even threats of violence.

Jealousy: Jealousy is another sign of teenage relationship violence. If a partner is overly jealous, possessive, or trying to control the other's behavior, it could signify an abusive relationship.

Verbal abuse: Verbal abuse is another sign of teenage relationship violence. If one partner constantly belittles or criticizes the other, it could signify an abusive relationship.

Physical violence: Physical violence is one of the most apparent signs of teenage relationship violence. If one partner uses physical violence, such as hitting, pushing, or restraining the other, it could signify an abusive relationship.

Seeking Legal Help

It is critical to get assistance if you or someone you know is going through any of these symptoms in a relationship. Seeking legal help can be a powerful tool in the fight against teen dating violence.

Legal help can include filing an order of protection or a court order prohibiting an abuser from contacting the victim. It can also include filing criminal charges against an abuser, which can result in jail time—depending on the severity of the case.

“It is important to remember that legal help is available regardless of age, gender, or race, ” said attorney Christine L Landis. 

Furthermore, it is essential to understand that seeking legal aid does not mean you are "giving up" or "giving in" to the violence. Instead, it is a powerful tool that can be used to help protect victims and hold abusers accountable for their actions.

It would be best if you speak to someone who you certainly know you can trust about what is going on, in addition to getting legal counsel. This could be a parent, trusted teacher, experienced counselor, or friend. Talking to someone can help victims feel less alone and is a step towards fostering a support network. 

But most importantly, remember that you are not responsible for the abuse and that it is not your fault.

Final Thoughts

Overall, teen dating violence is a serious issue that affects millions of teenagers in the United States each year. It is critical to be aware of the warning signs of a potentially abusive relationship and to get assistance if you or someone you know is a victim of one.

Take action now. Seeking legal help can be a powerful tool in the fight against teen dating violence and provide victims with the protection they need. Talk to someone you can trust and ask for assistance if you or someone you know is a victim of teen dating violence.