The more you know about teen dating violence, date violence and abuse, the better you will be able to prevent it from happening to you and help others prevent it.

Alcohol

• lowers inhibitions
• impairs judgment
• affects motor skills
• diminishes your ability to communicate clearly
• is involved in 75% of sexual assaults

Abusive Relationships

• One in five 13-14 year olds in relationships say they know friends and peers who have been struck (kicked, slapped, hit, punched) in anger by a boy/girlfriend.
• Every 18 seconds a woman is beaten in the U.S.
• 10% of women are physically assaulted on dates.
• If the cycle of violence continues, the abuse will become more frequent and severe.
• Experiencing an abusive relationship can affect your self esteem.

Sexual Assault

• Sexual assault is always an act of violence, not sexual passion. Most rapes are planned.
• 38% of women who have been sexually assaulted were 14 to 17 years old