Identifying Teen Dating Abuse

Designed specifically for teens. If these statements are true about your relationship, it could be an abusive relationship. We can help.

Dating abuse is a pattern of abusive behaviors -- usually a series of abusive behaviors over a course of time -- used to exert power and control over a dating partner.


Every relationship is different, but the things that unhealthy and abusive relationships have in common are issues of power and control. Violent words and actions are tools an abusive partner uses to gain and maintain power and control over their partner.


Any young person can experience dating abuse or unhealthy relationship behaviors, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic standing, ethnicity, religion or culture. It does not discriminate and can happen to anyone in any relationship, whether it’s one that is casual and short-term or serious and monogamous.1

If these statements are true about your relationship, it could be an abusive relationship. To talk about your concerns about your relationship, contact 888-981-1457.

  • My partner prevents me from participating in school activities that I want to do.
  • My partner gets in the way of me going to friends’ houses and parties and wants to know everyone who will be there, or demands to go with me.
  • My partner expects me to spend all of my time with him or her.
  • My partner insults my clothes or my looks.
  • My partner frequently accuses me of cheating if I go out with friends.
  • My partner lies to me.
  • My partner physically harms me or threatens to do so.
  • My partner has extreme jealousy even in very innocent situations.
  • I cancel plans last minute with excuses because of my partner’s actions.
  • My partner is constantly trying to call, text, and otherwise talk to me and find out what I’m doing.
  • I worry a lot about making my partner mad.
  • My grades have dropped and my weight or appearance has dramatically changed due to my relationship. I feel depressed.
  • My partner tells me I will never find someone else like him or her that puts up with me.
  • My partner wants to move faster sexually in the relationship than I do. He or she forces me to engage in acts with which I am uncomfortable.
  • My partner makes threats of self harm if I leave.