What is the definition of teen dating violence (TDV) as used in school-based prevention programs?

• A. A single incident of physical aggression that occurs in dating relationships.
• B. TDV is a pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening, or violent behavior in adolescent dating relationships that can be physical, sexual, emotional/psychological, or digital, used to gain power and control over a dating partner.
• C. TDV only involves digital harassment and never physical harm.
• D. A minor dating disagreement that can be resolved without help.

Answer: (B)

TDV in school prevention programs is defined as a pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening, or violent behavior in adolescent dating relationships that can be physical, sexual, emotional/psychological, or digital, used to gain power and control over a dating partner. This emphasis on pattern and power dynamics helps educators recognize ongoing risk and intervene across multiple forms of abuse, not just a single act or a specific type like digital harassment. The other descriptions miss essential parts of TDV: it isn’t just one incident, it isn’t limited to digital interactions, and it isn’t merely a minor disagreement that can be resolved without help.