The article addresses the troubling phenomenon of dating violence (DV) among young people, particularly highlighting the control exerted by romantic partners, which at times can escalate to digital sexual violence. It features insights from Ikuko Shikenbaru, vice president of the general incorporated association Aware, which is actively conducting DV awareness programs in schools across Japan. Shikenbaru explains that dating DV involves not just physical abuse but also psychological manipulation through language that imposes expectations and limits the victim's autonomy.

The article delves into how power dynamics in dating among adolescents differ markedly from those in adult relationships. In youth, where economic and social factors play a lesser role, the influence of gender norms becomes pronounced, manifesting in a rigid expectation of behavior based on whether one is a boyfriend or girlfriend. As such, adolescent victims of DV face unique challenges, as they lack the resources to change their living situations or social circles, leading to a situation where the fear of breaking up or remaining in a toxic relationship is equally paralyzing.

Furthermore, with the rise of smartphones and social media, digital forms of control and abuse are becoming more prevalent. The article encourages awareness and action from peers and adults in the community to better support victims of dating DV, suggesting the need for preventive education and an open dialogue about healthy relationships. The insight provided points to a pressing need for comprehensive approaches to tackle the normalization of such behaviors among young individuals, ensuring they are equipped to recognize and respond to dating violence effectively.