Teen Dating Violence - Characteristics

Characteristics

1. When a friend and the agressor (the violent significant other) are together, the last one calls the victim names or puts her/him down in front of other people.
2. The agressor acts extremely jealous when the victim talks to other person of the agressor's sex, even when it is completely innocent.
3. The victim apologizes for the agressor's behavior and makes excuses for him/her.
4. The victim frequently cancels plans at the last minute, for reasons that sound untrue.
5. The agressor is always checking up on the victim, calling or paging her/him, and demanding to know where the victim has been and with whom has been.
6. The agressor loses his/her temper, maybe even break or hit things when mad.
7. The victim seems worried about upsetting the agressor or making him/her angry.
8. The victim is giving up things that used to be important to her/him, such as spending time with friends or other activities, and is becoming more and more isolated.
9. The victim's weight, appearance or grades have changed dramatically. These could be signs of depression, which could indicate abuse.
10. The victim has injuries she/he cannot explain, or the explanations given do not make sense.

The ages between 16 and 24 are the most susceptible to dating violence. Also, according to the CDC, one in ten teens will be physically abused between the grades of seventh through twelfth. Because of this abuse, the abused are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol, employ precarious sexual conduct, develop eating disorders, and attempt suicide.