The Effects Of Teen Dating Violence on Young Women

Dating violence occurs when there is emotional , verbal or physical abuse of one partner inflicted by the other partner in a courting relationship . This abusive acts or behaviour is done mainly to hurt or control the other . A violent relationship is not only defined by physical assault inflicted upon the victim but also involves other forms of abuse mentioned earlier . Violence is a power game . It is used as a larger scheme to gain control over the victim . Most people in the society think that abusive relationships occur only between marriage partners

. Violence , however , also occurs between dating couples regardless of their sexual orientation

While dating violence and abusive relationships seemed to be a predominantly adult affair , shocking statistics have shown otherwise . It is revealed that every one in three adolescent ladies in the United States is or has been a victim of emotional , verbal or physical abuse from a partner they have dated . While abuse may be directed to both males and females , abusive acts continue to be directed mainly toward women . There is therefore the need to focus on teenagers and empower them to engage in healthy relationships to avoid the myriad of problems that result due to dating violence

There are various types of dating violence . Emotional abuse harms the victim 's self esteem and brings shame on the victim . This may be done by the abuser expressing extreme jealousy which may cause the victim to be isolated from friends , withholding love and affections , threats , among others...