Between October 18–21, this website will move to a new web address (from health.gov to odphp.health.gov). During that time, some functions might not work as expected. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we’re working to make this transition as smooth as possible.

Reduce sexual or physical adolescent dating violence — IVP‑18

Status: Getting worse

  
Image
Getting worse

Most Recent Data:
15.7 percent (2021)

Target:
11.4 percent

Desired Direction:
Decrease desired

Baseline:
12.6 percent of students in grades 9 through 12 who dated or went out with someone in the past 12 months reported that they had been forced to do "sexual things" (e.g., kissing, touching, or having sexual intercourse) they did not want to do, or were physically hurt on purpose (e.g., being hit, slammed into something, or injured with an object or weapon) 1 or more times in the past 12 months in 2017

Reduce adolescent dating violence (sexual or physical)

Target-Setting Method
Minimal statistical significance

Summary

Many adolescents are physically or sexually abused by a dating partner. This can include unwanted sexual contact and physical violence. Dating violence can lead to physical and mental health problems. Teaching adolescents safe and healthy relationship skills and creating safe environments where youth live, learn, and play are examples of strategies that can help prevent dating violence.