“My Situation Wasn't that Unique”: The Experience of Teens in Abusive Relationships

College freshman and sophomores with histories of high school dating violence were invited to participate in a study about that experience. The shared experience described by ten participants was that of being controlled. Control is established by creating a sense of responsibility and is maintained by angry outburst, threats to self, and guilt. Participants described an expectation of constant contact that included techno vigilance. In their stories, young women miss good and better times, hope for “the ideal romance,” and continue to care and have concern for their abuser who is described as “troubled.”