Understanding Teen Dating Violence & Promoting Healthy Relationships

As parents, it’s essential to recognize the warning signs of teen dating violence and equip your child with the knowledge to foster healthy relationships.

What is Teen Dating Violence?

Teen dating violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in a relationship where one partner seeks to gain power and control over the other. It can include:

  • Physical abuse – Hitting, shoving, or causing harm.

  • Emotional abuse – Insults, manipulation, or controlling behavior.

  • Digital abuse – Controlling social media, excessive texting, or tracking location.

  • Sexual abuse – Pressuring or forcing unwanted sexual activity.

Warning Signs to Look For

  • Sudden changes in mood or behavior.

  • Isolation from friends and family.

  • Fear of upsetting their partner.

  • Unexplained bruises or injuries.

  • Excessive texting or monitoring by their partner.

Promoting Healthy Relationships

Encourage your teen to build relationships based on:

  • Respect – Both partners should value each other’s feelings and boundaries.

  • Communication – Open and honest discussions about feelings and expectations.

  • Independence – Maintaining personal interests and friendships outside the relationship.

  • Trust – Feeling safe, supported, and free to be themselves.

How Parents Can Help

  • Start conversations early about healthy relationships.

  • Lead by example in your own relationships.

  • Encourage open dialogue and let your teen know they can come to you for support.

  • Know the resources available and where to get help.

For more information and a detailed Parent’s Guide to Teen Dating Violence, visit:
Love is Respect – Parent Guide

If you or someone you know is in danger, seek help from a trusted source or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month Slides

A flyer for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month by the Gabby Petito Foundation featuring the logo with butterflies, a group of diverse smiling people in the background, and a black-and-white image of a person holding up their hand in a stop gesture.

Printable PDF Version here. Free Google Slides here.

Infographic about teen dating violence with statistics, including 1 in 3 teens reporting abuse, 43% of college women experiencing violent dating behaviors, and 1.5 million teens experiencing dating abuse annually. Features photos of a girl holding hands with someone and a young man looking out a window.
A woman talking to a young girl, both seated on a couch in a room with natural light. The woman is engaging in a conversation, suggesting a supportive relationship. The image is part of a brochure about open communication and supporting teens.
Infographic comparing signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships, featuring a photo of a young man and woman having a conversation, with text emphasizing self-love and kindness.
Infographic about teen dating abuse warning signs and how parents can help, with statistics, advice, and website resources, including a photo of two young people talking on a phone.
A graphic showing multiple hands stacked together, with the word "Together" and colorful hearts underneath. The image is displayed on a smartphone screen, set against a colorful background with text about the Gabby Petito Foundation and its mission to stop intimate partner violence.
A pledge poster titled 'Take the Pledge' with steps to show respect in relationships, emphasizing trust, healthy relationships, and respecting boundaries, including the source www.loveisrespect.org.
Text-based informational poster about helplines and resources for domestic violence, including phone numbers, websites, and online chat options.