The girls don't fit a profile. They are not weak, submissive girls. Sometimes they even hit back. A misperception exists that victims of dating violence come from abusive homes. Teens have it difficult because the opinions of their peer group are so important to them.
Teens also have less experience.
They might not know what is inappropriate. Even with a healthy family, parents might not have sat them down, saying what to expect out of a relationship. Targeting prevention efforts at teenagers seems a natural part of the movement to combat violence in the home, a movement that began more than 30 years ago. Early efforts have included responses such as shelters for battered women and rape crisis centers. The first such programs began around 10 years ago, but there has been a national push in the last five years to reach adolescents.