Dating violence affects individuals regardless of age, however, teenagers can be paticularly vulnerable to this type of domestic violence. In fact, a special report from the U.S. Bureau of Justice in 2000 found that about one in three high school students have been or will become involved in an abusive relationship.

As with domestic violence among adults, teenage dating violence involves one partner attempting to maintain power and control over the other through various forms of verbal, emotional, physical and sexual abuse. Teens are susceptible to this because they are often inexperienced with dating relationships, influenced by their peers and gender stereotypes, and have idealized, romanticized views of love and relationships.

When a teen begins dating, this marks a period of newly gained independence. Not to jeopardize this, the violent behavior is often concealed, making it difficult for parents to identify. Some early indications that a relationship may be or may become abusive include: unexplained injuries; fear of their partner; the partner constantly checking on the other; verbal abuse such as name-calling and demeaning comments; disinterest in school and activities; one partner apologizing for the other's behavior; and spending extensive amounts of time together.

The Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut, a non-profit mental health resource serving children, teenagers and their families, offers the following advice for parents to help prevent violence in teenage relationships.

• Be a good role model – Children and teenagers learn as much from your actions as your words. If you are in a healthy relationship, they will learn by example.
  
• Create an open environment and talk frequently – In doing so, ask tentative, open-ended questions about potential romantic interests without forcing the issue. Parents should never use information told in confidence to embarrass their child.
  
• Address the good and the bad – While discussing the warning signs of abuse can be effective, teens often hear more about negatives and not enough on the positives. Share your ideas on the qualities of a healthy relationship as well as your own expectations on how to treat others and be treated in all relationships.
  
• Be realistic – Teenagers can paint a rosy picture of romance and they need to know that there are ups and downs in every relationship.
• Set limits where appropriate and follow through – It is important for parents to inform teens about the rules and consequences that have been set regarding dating including appropriate age, age of partner, curfews, contact informations, etc. Make sure to enforce these rules and follow through with some sort of punishment when they are broken.

“Dating is an important step in a teenager's development, representing a move toward mature, empathic intimate relationships. When any form of violence becomes part of this process, we are concerned not only about the immediate physical and emotional consequences to the teen, but also about the implications for their future adult relationships." said Dr. Deborah Matthews, Director of Crisis Servioces and Crime Victims/Community Policing Programs at the Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut. "Parents can play a vital role in the prevention of dating violence by understanding the warning signs and learning the proper ways to handle the situation."