Emotional abuse often begins subtly and increases in severity over time.Batterers use emotional abuse gain power and control over their victims.However, these behaviors can become abusive and develop into more serious forms of violence.Teen dating violence [PDF 187KB] is defined as the physical, sexual, psychological, or emotional violence within a dating relationship, including stalking. Teen dating violence (physical and sexual) among US high school students: Findings from the 2013 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey. As teens develop emotionally, they are heavily influenced by experiences in their relationships.If you are in Midcoast Maine in Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox and Waldo counties, New Hope for Women is here to help by calling our toll-free number at 1-800-522-3304, visiting our ‘Contact’ page, or stopping by any of our Midcoast offices.If you are not from the Midcoast Maine area, here are some resources that may be of help to you: the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence at 1-866-83-4HELP or via the web at the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-799-7233 or via the web at As this behavior progresses the situation will worsen, and the abuser may assume all control of finances or prevent the victim from coming and going freely.

The abuser will question the victim about who the victim talks to, accuse the victim of flirting, or become jealous of time spent with others.It can occur in person or electronically and might occur between a current or former dating partner. Healthy relationship behaviors can have a positive effect on a teen’s emotional development.Several different words are used to describe teen dating violence. Dating violence is widespread with serious long-term and short-term effects. Unhealthy, abusive, or violent relationships can have severe consequences and short- and long-term negative effects on a developing teen.Unhealthy relationships can start early and last a lifetime.Teens often think some behaviors, like teasing and name calling, are a “normal” part of a relationship.Sometimes a teen’s desire to be in a relationship blinds him or her to unhealthy behavior—both his or her own and/or that of the other person—and this can sometimes lead to abuse.As someone who works with teens, I know firsthand that early intervention by adults plays a crucial role in preventing potential long-term physical or emotional damage.