A new survey in the US on teens and dating abuse has revealed that an alarming number of teens in dating relationships are being controlled, threatened and humiliated through cell phones and the Internet with unimaginable frequency.

The research also reveals that a significant majority of parents are completely unaware of this type of dating abuse and the dangers facing their teens. In response to this the National Domestic Violence Hotline (US) has partnered with Liz Claiborne Inc. to launch, loveisrespect.org, The National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline.

The survey, conducted by Teenage Research Unlimited (TRU) for Liz Claiborne Inc. provides startling data about parents and teens ranging from 13-18 in age. 71% of teens regard boyfriends/girlfriends spreading rumors about them on cellphones and social networking sites as a serious problem while 68% of teens say boyfriends/girlfriends sharing private or embarrassing pictures/videos on cell phones and computers is a serious problem.

57% of parents believe that computers and cell phones make abuse in teen dating relationships more likely to occur. And 53% of parents believe that computers and cell phones make abuse easier to conceal. But roughly one in four parents of teens (28%) say they limit their teenager's use of a cell phone and online communications with a partner.

"When we set out to measure if the prevalence of technology has influenced the frequency and severity of teen dating abuse, we had no idea just how staggering the results would be," says Jane Randel, Vice President, Corporate Communications, Liz Claiborne, Inc. "The seriousness of this issue underscores the need for a national teen dating abuse helpline. "

loveisrespect.org, The National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline (NTDAH) is a 24-hour national web-based and telephone hotline created to help teens (ages 13-18) experiencing dating abuse and is the only helpline in the US serving all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The Helpline is also staffed to help parents concerned about their teens.

"If teens are not turning to their parents for help, it is essential that they have a private outlet where they can discuss their fears with someone who will provide immediate assistance," says Sheryl Cates, chief executive officer of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. "This helpline and website were designed exclusively for teens so they can speak to a peer or an adult advocate anonymously and confidentially."

Teens and parents anywhere in the US can call toll free, 866-331-9474 or log on to the Web site and receive assistance. The site is also an interactive dating abuse website, staffed by advocates, where teens can write and immediately get assistance in a one-on-one private chat room.