Key Findings

This survey shows that alarming numbers of teens experience and accept abusive behavior in dating relationships and that the problem gets worse as teens get older and into more serious relationships. Many teens also feel physically and sexually threatened. Other key findings include:

  • One in two teens who have been in a serious relationships say they’ve gone against their beliefs in order to please their partner.
  • One in three girls who have been in a serious relationship say they’ve been concerned about being physically hurt by their partner.
  • One in four teens who have been in a serious relationship say their boyfriend or girlfriend has tried to prevent them from spending time with friends or family; the same number have been pressured to only spend time with their partner.
  • One in thre girls between the ages of 16 and 18 say sex is expected for people their age if they’re in a relationship; half of teen girls who have experienced sexual pressure report they are afraid the relationship would break up if they did not give in.
  • Nearly one in four girls who have been in a relationship (23%) reported going further sexually than they wanted as a result of pressure.
  • One in five teens who have been in a serious relationship report being hit, slapped or pushed by a partner.

About the Survey

In March 2006, Fifth & Pacific Companies, Inc. (formerly Liz Claiborne Inc.) commissioned Teenage Research Unlimited (TRU) to conduct a survey to delve deeper into the issue of teen dating abuse, gauging the degree to which teens have been involved in abusive/controlling relationships and to understand youth perceptions regarding what is and is not acceptable behavior in a relationship.

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Download the full report for more information on teen dating violence.