Different types of teen dating violence: What are they and who seeks help?

Teen dating violence (TDV) literature treats it as a unitary phenomenon, despite evidence of different types of adult violent relationships (Johnson 2006) including: (1) intimate terrorism (IT) which involves a physically violent perpetrator asserting control through tactics such as threats, intimidation, isolation, emotional abuse, and sexual control; (2) situational couple violence (SCV) which involves physical violence between partners, absent the control dynamics; (3) violent resistance (VR) in which both partners are violent but only one is controlling, indicating that the IT victim is fighting back; and (4) mutual violent control (MVC) in which both partners are violent and controlling. This study examined Johnson's typology based on both female and male reports of their own TDV victimization and perpetration using a sample of 3,745 youth in three northeastern states in current or recent dating relationships (52 percent were female; 74 percent White). One-third of youth reported TDV relationships. Of these, 2% of females and 7% of males reported IT; 88% of females and 83% of males reported SCV; 9% of females and 8% of males reported VR; and <1% of females and 3% of males reported MVC. Only 9% of TDV victims sought help. Respondents in high-control violent relationships reported more frequent and severe acts of physical violence and were more likely to seek help, compared to those in SCV relationships. By understanding different types of TDV relationships, variation in risks and consequences can be understood. The findings will inform efforts related to tailoring programs to particular adolescent victims and perpetrators.