Systemic oppression is the intentional disadvantaging of groups of people based on their identity. This unfair treatment puts some youth at a higher risk of experiencing dating violence. These groups include racialized youth, youth living in poverty, Indigenous youth, and 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.
Who is at Risk of Experiencing Dating Violence?
- Teens who grow up with a family history of aggression or abuse (child abuse, interparental violence)
- Teens who have been bullied/are being bullied
- Teens with few friends or friends who are aggressive or who use dating violence
- Teens with a physical or learning disability or who have special healthcare needs. These individuals may especially struggle to leave unhealthy relationships.
- New Canadians, refugees and English Language Learners
- Teens who use drugs
- 2SLGBTQIA+ youth
- At higher risk if they have not disclosed/do not wish to disclose their gender identity or sexual orientation
- Teens dating much older partners
Who is at Risk of Using Dating Violence?
- Teens who grow up with a family history of aggression (child abuse, interparental violence)
- Teens who are naturally aggressive
- Teens who have bullied others
- Teens who use substances, especially alcohol
- Teens with friends who are aggressive, especially if the friends perpetrate violence in their own relationships
- Teens with an aggressive partner
What You Need to Know
- Not all youth who perpetrate violence do so for the same reasons
- There is a significant portion of dating relationships where both partners use and experience dating violence
- Some youth who are involved in dating violence are social and popular
- Some youth are especially vulnerable to dating violence, and may have difficulty seeking help
- Both youth perpetrating and experiencing dating violence need support and healthy relationship solutions
