USAS Teen Dating Abuse Survey 2006

Unprecedented Levels of Teen Dating Violence and Abuse Uncovered

In March 2006, 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.

The findings were astounding. The results show 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.

Key findings include:

FACT:	1 in 2 teens who have been in a serious relationships say they've gone against their beliefs in order to please their partner
FACT:	1 in 3 girls who have been in a serious relationship say they've been concerned about being physically hurt by their partner
FACT:	1 in 4 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
FACT:	1 in 3 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
FACT:	Nearly 1 in 4 girls who have been in a relationship (23%) reported going further sexually than they wanted as a result of pressure
FACT:	1 in 5 teens who have been in a serious relationship report being hit, slapped or pushed by a partner

The reports of abuse extend across suburbs and cities, all ethnic groups and regions; yet teens in the South and the Midwest report abuse in greater numbers than other regions. Alarming acceptance of physical violence among Hispanic teens.

To read the full report click here.