Findings suggest that the frequency and severity of teen dating violence increases with age.² In addition, the likelihood of being subjected to violence in a relationship increases for teens who

• experience  stressful life events or show symptoms of trauma (including past history of sexual abuse or prior sexual victimization);
• live in poverty, come from disadvantaged homes, or receive child protective services;
• are exposed to community or neighborhood violence;
• participate in risky behaviors (e.g., substance abuse, alcohol use, violence);
• begin dating at an early age;
• participate in sexual activity prior to age 16;
• have problem behaviors in other areas;
• have a friend involved in dating violence;
• participate in peer violence or have violent friends;
• believe that dating violence is acceptable or are more accepting of rape myths and violence against women;
• begin menstruating at an early age (for women);
• have been exposed to harsh parenting; inconsistent discipline; or lack supervision, monitoring, and warmth;
• have low self-esteem, anger, or depressed mood;
• use emotional disengagement and confrontational blaming as coping mechanisms; 
• exhibit maladaptive or antisocial behaviors;
• have aggressive conflict-management styles; and/or
• have low help-seeking proclivities.³

There are also risk factors that contribute to the likelihood of a teen becoming a perpetrator of dating violence. Many of these are developmentally normal in youth, such as little to no relationship experience, vulnerability to peer pressure, and unsophisticated communication skills.⁴ Some additional factors that have been found to be associated with teen dating violence perpetration include

• believing that it is acceptable to use threats or violence to get one’s way or to express frustration or anger;
• problems managing  anger or frustration;
• association with violent peers;
• low self-esteem and depression;
• not having parental supervision and support; and/or
• witnessing violence at home or in the community.⁵