0 Dating Violence - Patterns, Risks and Prevention

Dating Violence - Patterns, Risks and Prevention

Dating violence is a type of intimate partner violence. It occurs between two people in a close relationship. The nature of dating violence can be physical, emotional, or sexual.

• Physical—This occurs when a partner is pinched, hit, shoved, or kicked.

• Emotional—This means threatening a partner or harming his or her sense of self-worth. Examples include name calling, shaming, bullying, embarassing on purpose, or keeping him/her away from friends and family.

• Sexual—This is forcing a partner to engage in a sex act when he or she does not or cannot consent.

Unhealthy relationships can start early and last a lifetime. Dating violence often starts with teasing and name calling. These behaviors are often thought to be a “normal” part of a relationship. But these behaviors can lead to more serious violence like physical assault and rape.

Why is dating violence a public health problem?

Dating violence is a serious problem in the United States. Many teens do not report it because they are afraid to tell friends and family.

• 72% of 8th and 9th graders reportedly “date”

• 1 in 4 adolescents report verbal, physical, emotional, or sexual abuse from a dating partner each year.

• About 10% of students nationwide report being physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend in the past 12 months.

How does dating violence affect health?

Dating violence can have a negative effect on health throughout life. Teens who are victims are more likely to do poorly in school. They may engage in unhealthy behaviors, like drug and alcohol use. The anger and stress that victims feel may lead to eating disorders and depression. Some teens even think about or attempt suicide. Victims may also carry the patterns of violence into future relationships. Physically abused teens are three times more likely than their non-abused peers to experience violence during college.

Who is at risk for dating violence?

Studies show that people who harm their dating partners are more depressed and are more aggressive than peers. Other warning signs for using dating violence include:

• Poor social skills
• Inability to manage anger and conflict
• Belief that using dating violence is acceptable
• Having more traditional beliefs about the roles of males and females
• Witnessing violence at home
• Alcohol use
• Having behavior problems in other areas
• Having a friend involved with dating violence
• Witnessing violence in the community

How can we prevent dating violence?

The ultimate goal is to stop dating violence before it starts. Strategies that promote healthy relationships are vital. During the preteen and teen years, young people are learning skills they need to form positive relationships with others. This is an ideal time to promote healthy relationships and prevent patterns of dating violence that can last into adulthood.

Prevention programs change the attitudes and behaviors linked with dating violence. One example is Safe Dates, a school-based program that is designed to change social norms and improve problem solving skills.

Additional sources of information:

Choose Respect Initiative
www.chooserespect.org

National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

National Sexual Violence Resource Center
www.nsvrc.org

National Youth Violence
www.safeyouth.org

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