Teen Dating Violence Prevention for Queer and Questioning Youth

Abstract

Teen dating violence (TDV) is a prevalent problem among queer and questioning youth, yet research on TDV has not addressed how best to serve this population and current prevention programs do not directly target this population. This literature review compiles information on current TDV prevention programs recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); risk factors for TDV among queer and questioning youth; and social factors that indicate what type of prevention methods may be the most helpful for queer and questioning youth. These risk factors and social factors are then compared to the current TDV prevention programs recommended by the CDC. Through this paper, I advocate for the use of peer-involved prevention that is supported by trusted adults who have been trained in understanding the nuances of TDV among queer and questioning youth.