This wheel represents typical patterns of dating violence in unmarried couples in which one or both partners are between 13 and 20 years old. Girls who are abused when young are more likely to tolerate abuse when they become women. Teen Dating Violence Is Not the Same as Adult Violence Teen dating violence, like adult domestic abuse, is about power and a desire to control. Despite these similarities, several conditions differentiate adolescent dating violence from adult abuse. A major factor of teen violence is adolescent reliance on peer approval.
Teens tend to conform to peer norms.
As a result, many teens decide acceptable behavior and sex roles based on how these are interpreted by their peer groups. Normally, gender roles are exaggerated, especially regarding sexuality. Both males and females frequently act out their gender difference in manners that reflect stereotypical notions of male dominance and female passivity. A teen's lack of experience in dating and in relationships adds to adolescent confusion. When it comes to love and relationships, many teens are idealists.