Teen Economic Abuse
As 13 to 19 year-olds move toward adulthood and independence, they begin making decisions without parental or guardian involvement, have their first romantic relationships, hold their first job or internship, and start to handle their own money. This time of new responsibilities and experiences can be extremely challenging as teens begin to navigate the complexity of balancing their independence with forging close relationships. Experiencing abuse during these formative years can have lasting harm on future independence and well-being, particularly if such abuse impacts economic opportunity.
In 2021, in partnership with The Allstate Foundation and in collaboration with University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Futures Without Violence launched a national survey better understand the academic, work, and financial pressures teens experience in their relationships. This first-of-its-kind study assessed the prevalence of various forms of economic abuse among teens, determined the impact abusive behavior has on their education, employment, and finances, and identified opportunities to enhance existing prevention efforts
Watch – Overlooked: Economic Abuse among Teen Dating Partners
Nearly 3,000 13 – 19 year-olds across the United States completed the survey in the summer of 2021. We found that economic abuse (educational, employment, and financial interference) is a common experience within romantic or dating relationships. These experiences were reported most frequently among youth who identify as gender diverse and among youth ages 15-17 (compared to older and younger adolescents).
Economic abuse is significant aspect of teen dating violence and has harmful impacts on educational attainment and success, employment opportunities, and financial independence.
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