Dating abuse affects people from all ages, backgrounds and identities, which is why it is important to talk about how abuse can happen in young people’s relationships.
One in three high school students experience either physical or sexual violence, or both, that is perpetrated by someone they are dating or going out with.
One in ten high school students has been purposefully hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend.
Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are more likely to experience physical and psychological dating abuse, sexual coercion, and cyber dating abuse than their heterosexual peers.
Among female high school students who have experienced sexual and physical abuse by a dating partner, nearly half have seriously contemplated suicide, and more than 1 in 4 have attempted suicide.
Here are additional resources we recommend specifically geared for teens, young adults and educators:
Break the Cycle is an organization specifically for ages 12-24 to promote healthy relationships and gives resources for teens, parents, and educators. There are opportunities for trainings and teen dating violence awareness campaigns.
Love is Respect is an organization specific for ages 12-24 that promotes healthy relationships, has resources about teen dating violence for teens, parents, and educators. It even has quizzes that can tell you whether your relationship is healthy, unhealthy, or abusive.
One Love Foundation is another resource for ages 12-24 that promotes healthy relationships, provides resources and trainings about teen dating violence.
Futures Without Violence is a great resource for organizations and educators. There are opportunities for trainings and teen dating violence awareness campaigns.
This list of young adult books was curated by domestic violence advocates all over Maine. It includes books that deal with dating violence and domestic violence in some way:
What Jamie Saw by Carolyn Coman
The Breakable Vow by Kathryn Ann Clarke
Things Change by Patrick Jones
Take Me There by Susane Colasanti
Meeting Lizzy by Sarabeth Carter
Furia by Yamile Saied Mendes
In Love and In Danger by Barrie Levy, MSW
Painting Caitlyn by Kimberly Joy Peters
Breathing Underwater by Alex Flinn
True (…Sort Of) by Katherine Hannigan
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Faultline by Janet Tashjian
You Don’t Know Me by David Klass
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