Behind Closed Doors: What Teen Dating Violence Can Look Like Today

By Luanne Brookover, Licensed Professional Counselor at Denova Collaborative Health

Healthy relationships help shape how teenagers see themselves and the world around them. During Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, caregivers are encouraged to pause and reflect on how they’re talking to teens – and behaviors they’re modeling – about relationships, boundaries and respect.

Supporting teenagers starts with awareness, honest conversations and the ability to recognize healthy relationship dynamics and when dating turns violent.

Understanding Teen Dating Violence

Teen dating violence refers to the physical, emotional or sexual harm experienced by young people in romantic relationships. While it may be difficult to imagine, dating violence is more common than many families realize and can have lasting effects on a teenager’s mental and emotional well-being. Anxiety, depression and lowered self-esteem are just some of the outcomes.

One of the challenges caregivers face is that teenagers don’t always recognize unhealthy behaviors as abuse. Emotional manipulation, possessiveness or constant monitoring may be mistaken for affection or commitment. These behaviors can feel normalized or even encouraged, making it challenging for teenagers to identify healthy relationships.

Understanding dating violence allows caregivers to have informed, meaningful conversations about what healthy relationships should look and feel like.