Teen Dating Violence and Stalking

Teen dating violence (TDV) is a serious form of intimate partner violence (IPV) that occurs between two young people in a close relationship. TDV can include physical, sexual, psychological, or emotional aggression, as well as stalking. Aggression can take place online as well as in person. This chapter first provides a definition of TDV and discusses the prevalence of different types of TDV as well as stalking. It offers an overview of current research, risk factors, and consequences of these forms of youth violence at multiple levels of the social ecology. Particular attention is paid to the unique characteristics of TDV that distinguish it from IPV among adults. Current intervention strategies are then discussed, drawing on national reports and representative studies demonstrating both effective and ineffective strategies for reducing TDV and stalking. The chapter concludes with a summary and recommendations from researchers to inform future research, prevention efforts, and intervention methods for decreasing TDV and stalking