Dating Violence Research Articles

Cyber Dating Violence: How Is It Perceived in Early Adolescence?

Background: Reports on cyber dating violence in adolescent populations vary significantly depending on whether the focus is on directly aggressive behaviours or behaviours designed to control one’s partner. In contrast to direct aggression, which is often clearly identified by adolescents, there is a greater degree of ignorance, and even a certain degree of normalisation, of controlling behaviours. Such behaviours may include, for example, insisting on knowing the whereabouts of a partner at all times or sharing social media passwords. This study aims to explore adolescent perceptions of cyber dating violence and to identify the differential characteristics of cyber-violent relationships using the Iramuteq software program for text analysis. Methods: Participants were 466 second- and third-year secondary school students. Data were collected through surveys, and responses were analysed using the Iramuteq program. This software tool enabled the identification of common terms and themes linked to cyber dating violence, as perceived by participating adolescents. Results: The analyses revealed the repeated appearance of terms associated with violent behaviours, online media, toxic relationships, and victim coercion. However, there was a notable lack of recognition of controlling behaviours as a manifestation of cyber dating violence. Adolescents frequently normalised behaviours such as insisting on knowing a partner’s whereabouts at all times or sharing social media passwords. Conclusions: The findings suggest a significant gap in adolescents’ understanding of what constitutes cyber dating violence. In contrast to direct aggression, which is easily identified, controlling behaviours are often normalised, indicating a need for educational and preventive measures to address this issue. By improving adolescents’ understanding of controlling behaviours as a form of cyber dating violence, preventive efforts can be more effectively tailored to address and mitigate this problem. To prevent the normalisation of certain behaviours indicative of cyber dating violence, early education is recommended in areas such as healthy relationships, communication skills, respect for privacy, and recognition of signs of excessive control.

Teen Dating Violence Programming in Schools Overall and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Exploratory Study of Iowa School Counselor Perceptions

Teen Dating Violence Programming in Schools Overall and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Exploratory Study of Iowa School Counselor Perceptions

Mobile Apps for the Personal Safety of At-Risk Children and Youth: Scoping Review.

Personal safety is a widespread public health issue that affects people of all demographics. There is a growing interest in the use of mobile apps for enhancing personal safety, particularly for children and youth at risk, who are among the most vulnerable groups in society. This study aims to explore what is known about the use of mobile apps for personal safety among children and youth identified to be "at risk." A scoping review following published methodological guidelines was conducted. In total, 5 databases (Scopus, SocINDEX, PsycINFO, Compendex, and Inspec Archive) were searched for relevant scholarly articles published between January 2005 and October 2023. The gray literature was searched using Google and Google Scholar search engines. The results were reported using the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. For summarizing the features and users' experiences of the apps, a published framework for evaluating the quality of mobile health apps for youth was used. A total of 1986 articles were identified, and 41 (2.1%) were included in the review. Nine personal safety apps were captured and categorized into 4 groups based on the goals of the apps, as follows: dating and sexual violence prevention (n=4, 44% of apps), bullying and school violence prevention (n=2, 22% of apps), self-harm and suicide prevention (n=2, 22% of apps), and homeless youth support (n=1, 11% of apps). Of the 41 articles, 25 (61%) provided data solely on app descriptions and features, while the remaining 16 (39%) articles provided data on app evaluations and descriptions. Outcomes focused on app engagement, users' experiences, and effectiveness. Four articles reported on app use, 3 (75%) of which reported relatively high app use. Data on users' experience were obtained from 13 studies. In general, participants found the app features to be easy to use and useful as educational resources and personal safety tools. Most of the views were positive. Negative perceptions included redundancy of app features and a lack of usefulness. Five apps were evaluated for effectiveness (n=2, 40% dating and sexual violence prevention; n=2, 40% self-harm and suicide prevention; and n=1, 20% bullying and school violence prevention) and were all associated with a statistically significant reduction (P=.001 to .048) in harm or risk to participants at the 95% CI. Although many personal safety apps are available, few studies have specifically evaluated those designed for youth. However, the evidence suggests that mobile safety apps generally appear to be beneficial for reducing harm to at-risk children and youth without any associated adverse events. Recommendations for future research have been made to strengthen the evidence and increase the availability of effective personal safety apps for children and youth.

Applying tenets of code of the street to intimate partner violence perpetration and victimization

ABSTRACT While studies testing ‘code of the street’ have generally supported a relationship between it and various forms of violent and non-violent behaviors, including victimization, the theory has not been applied to explain intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration and victimization among college students. Recently, scholars have maintained that the code of the street may extend beyond the inner cities and may be applicable in explaining violent behavior by college students. Therefore, the main research question addressed in this study is how applicable, if at all, is tenets of code of the street in explaining intimate partner IPV perpetration and victimization among college students. Using a United States subsample of 4,162 college students contained in the cross-sectional International Dating Violence Study, results from logistic regression models showed that the tenets of code of the street is associated with IPV perpetration and victimization. More importantly, code of the street remains statistically significant even after controlling for well-documented risk markers of IPV. Implications of our findings suggest that intervention and prevention programs aimed at altering code of the street beliefs should reduce IPV perpetration and victimization. Further results, as well as the study’s limitations, are discussed.

A Multi-State Examination of School District Policies to Address Teen Dating Violence.

In 2021, 13.6% of United States (U.S.) high school students reported experiencing teen dating violence (TDV). Most states have at least one law for addressing TDV in high schools through policies and/or educational programs. Limited research has been done to analyze the content and variability of school district TDV policies across the U.S., and its association with TDV victimization. Twenty-three large urban school districts across the U.S. were included in the analysis. School district TDV policies were obtained through an online search and were coded for the presence or absence of information pertaining to the scope, prevention education, response to TDV, and implementation of the policy. Self-reported TDV victimization was also obtained for each school district from the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Overall, 18 school districts had a written TDV policy available online, with 15 school districts defining TDV in the policy. In terms of prevention education, only two school districts used culturally responsive language for diverse populations in the policy. Although 17 school districts included disciplinary consequences for TDV perpetration in the policy, only 6 school districts specified the consequences. All school districts with a TDV policy designated a liaison for TDV coordination. Overall, the prevalence and odds of self-reported TDV victimization was higher in school districts without a TDV policy compared to school districts with a TDV policy. Although most of the school districts had a TDV policy, there was substantial variation in the content of these TDV policies. Identifying and addressing gaps in school district TDV policies can potentially lead schools to preventing and responding to TDV more comprehensively, ultimately creating safer school environments.

Bullying-related victimization and delinquency: mediation by negative emotions and moderation by LGBTQ+ identity

ABSTRACT While previous research has examined the extent to which bullying victimization relates to delinquency via negative emotions, few studies have considered how this process may vary by subgroups of the population. Moreover, studies have yet to consider specifically how these processes may vary among youth who identify and LGBTQ+, an at-risk group who experiences higher rates of bullying victimization and higher rates of negative emotions than others. This study uses data from the Technology, Teen Dating Violence and Abuse, and Bullying in Three States, 2011–2012 survey (N = 4,776) to test if relationships between bullying-related victimization and delinquency are mediated by negative emotions, and if the mediation processes are moderated by LGBTQ+ identity. Results show that relationships between bullying-related victimization and both general delinquency and substance use are largely mediated by anger. Results further show that the effect of bullying-related victimization on depression and anxiety is stronger for youth who identify as LGBTQ+ compared to youth who identify as heterosexual and cisgender, but the effects of bullying-related victimization and negative emotions on general delinquency and substance use do not vary by LGBTQ+ identity.

Cyber Dating Violence Among Youth and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Studies have shown that there are protective and risk factors related to cyber dating violence. However, the effect size of these factors is unclear. This study aims to clarify the effect size of the associations of protective and risk factors, as well as symptoms of mental health conditions, with cyber dating violence perpetration and victimization. Databases, including PubMed, Web of Science (WoS), ProQuest, Scopus, and EBSCOhost were searched to identify relevant studies. Forty-nine studies were included in the current study. Results revealed statistically significant and medium relationships between cyber dating violence perpetration and some risk factors, including offline dating violence perpetration-related factors (i.e., physical, psychological, sexual, relational, verbal/emotional, and threat) and offline dating violence victimization-related factors (i.e., physical and psychological); and small relationships with other risk factors (i.e., sexual offline dating violence victimization, attachment styles, and jealousy), protective factors (i.e., family support and emotional regulation), and mental health symptoms (i.e., depression, anxiety, and alcohol use). There was also statistically significant and robust relationship between cyber dating violence victimization and verbal/emotional offline dating violence victimization (i.e., risk factor); medium relationships with some risk factors, including offline dating violence perpetration-related factors (i.e., psychological and verbal/emotional) and offline dating violence victimization-related factors (i.e., physical, psychological, sexual, relational, and threat); small relationships with other risk factors (i.e., physical offline dating violence perpetration, attachment styles, childhood sexual abuse), protective factors (i.e., family support, emotional regulation, and self-esteem), and mental health symptoms (i.e., depression, anxiety, stress, alcohol use, and drug use). The study's results highlight risk and protective factors associated with cyber dating violence and demonstrate its association with mental health symptoms.

Gender Role Mindset and Beliefs about Own Personal Goals as a Guide for Young People's Behaviors towards the Romantic Partner.

Dating violence (DV) is a form of intentional abuse carried out in young couples, which over the years has increasingly gained attention for its pervasiveness and high frequency. The present study represents an effort to expand and deepen the literature on factors associated with DV perpetration. The sample consisted of 225 Italian young people who completed an online survey. A model was tested, in which DV perpetration is affected by the presence of gender stereotypes and personal values oriented to power and dominance (i.e., self-enhancement) and to universalism and interest in others (i.e., self-transcendence) through the mediation of the perception of the romantic relationship quality, controlling for age. Sex was also considered in the model. The findings showed that self-enhancement and self-transcendence were, respectively, linked positively and negatively to a negative perception of the relationship quality, which in turn explained DV perpetration. The results also suggested that hostile sexism, self-enhancement and being male were directly linked to DV perpetration, thus representing potential risk factors for it. The study suggests the importance of working on gender role beliefs and personal orientation to power, which guide the way people perceive their romantic relationships and behave toward their partners, providing interesting insights for the implementation of DV prevention programs. Moreover, the findings highlight the importance of working with families and other educational agencies to foster a change in cultural terms.

Development and Preliminary Validation of the Dating Violence Prevention Self-Efficacy Scale for School Staff.

This article describes the development of an instrument used to evaluate the perceived self-efficacy of school staff in addressing dating violence (DV) among youth. The study employed a mixed exploratory sequential design. First, a series of items was elaborated upon based on the scientific literature on self-efficacy and material from 15 semi-structured interviews conducted with school staff. Then, a sample of 110 school staff members answered an online survey. An exploratory factor analysis revealed a two-factor structure reflecting dimensions of self-efficacy in addressing DV: communicating DV content to youth (α = .93) and the ability to intervene with youth who experience DV (α = .91). The scale could offer a means to assess the effectiveness of training offered to school counselors and teachers regarding DV prevention.

Perpetración de ciberviolencia en el noviazgo: prevalencia, frecuencia y variables asociadas en adolescentes y adultos jóvenes

Little is known about the variables that could be related to cyber dating vio-lence (CDV). This study compared by sex the prevalence and frequency of perpetration of CDV between 2023 Colombian adolescents and young adults (53 % women) between 13-40 years (M=17.92; SD=3.6), and explored the re-lationship among CDV perpetration with CDV victimization and the perpe-tration of psychological dating violence (DV), implementing the statistical analyses Chi-squared, odds ratio, and multiple linear regression. The ins-truments used were CDAQ y CEPA. The 76 % of the participants reported ha-ving perpetrated some CDV behavior at least once or twice in the last year. Not finding differences by sex in the prevalence and the frequency of beha-viors perpetrated. The probability of perpetrating CDV was 81 times higher among the participants who reported CDV victimization (OR=81.206), and 6 times higher among those who perpetrated psychological DV (OR=6.539). The frequency of CVD behaviors suffered (B=.736; p=.000) and the frequen-cy of psychological DV perpetrated (B=.113; p=.000) explained 62.6% of the variance of the frequency of CDV behaviors perpetrated. These results indi-cate that the risk of perpetration increases with victimization and perfor-mance of traditional psychological DV, aspects that should be considered for its prevention.

Dating violence prevalence and factors associated among undergraduate public health students of Kathmandu metropolitan city, Nepal: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThe objective of this research was to assess the prevalence of dating violence (DV) and factors associated among undergraduate public health students of Kathmandu metropolitan city (KMC), Nepal.DesignA descriptive cross-sectional...

Attitudes Toward Dating Violence, Social Impact, and Alexithymia in University Students: A Structural Equation Modeling.

This research was conducted to determine the effects of social impact and alexithymia on attitudes toward dating violence. Additionally, the interaction between them was examined. In this context, the effect of social impact on alexithymia was also examined. In addition, this research tried to determine whether alexithymia has a mediating role between social impact and attitudes toward dating violence. The study was descriptive and cross-sectional. There was a total of 582 participants in the study. The study used the Sociodemographic Questionnaire Form, Social Impact Scale (SIS), 20-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), and Dating Violence Scale (DVS) for data collection. The study used the descriptive statistics, spearman correlation analysis and structural equation modeling in the evaluation of the data. Participants' SIS scores had a statistically significant and positive correlation with their TAS-20 scores (p < .01), while they had a statistically significant and negative correlation with their DVS scores (p < .01). In addition, a statistically significant and negative correlation was found between TAS-20 scores and DVS scores (p < .01). SIS scores directly affected the TAS-20 (effect value = 0.481; p = .001) and DVS scores (effect value = -0.405; p = .001). Similarly, the TAS-20 scores had a direct effect on the DVS scores (effect value = -0.261; p = .008). In addition to this direct effect of TAS-20 scores, there was a significant mediator effect between the SIS scores and DVS scores (effect value = -0.126; p = .008). In this study, it was established that social impact effects both alexithymia and attitudes toward dating violence, and moreover, alexithymia influences attitudes toward dating violence. Additionally, it was identified that alexithymia serves as a mediator in the relationship between social impact and attitudes toward dating violence.

Peer Victimization, Dating Violence, and Suicide Ideation: Examining the Mediating Roles of the Thwarted Belongingness and Perceived Burdensomeness in a College Sample

Peer Victimization, Dating Violence, and Suicide Ideation: Examining the Mediating Roles of the Thwarted Belongingness and Perceived Burdensomeness in a College Sample

Dating Violence Victimization, Perpetration and Suicidality Among Adolescents

ABSTRACT Few studies have focused on evaluating the relationship between dating violence (DV) and suicide during the critical period of adolescence, particularly for transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) youth. The study examined the relationship between experiencing DV victimization and perpetration in the past 6 months and suicidality (ideation and attempts) among male, female, and TGD adolescents. This study used data from a longitudinal randomized trial examining the effectiveness of myPlan, a healthy relationship and safety planning app intervention for adolescents, to a control website. Data for this study was collected virtually, in which participants completed surveys through online platforms. A convenience sample was recruited through youth organizations and posting on online platforms including social media. N = 610 adolescents age 15–17 years, who resided in the U.S. experienced DV in the past 6 months, had access to a safe device, and were able to access online surveys were included in this study. The majority were female (63.8%) with (19.5%) TGD and 16.7% male. Nearly 22% of the sample identified as Hispanic/Latino and 61.0% as white. Participants completed an online survey consisting of measures of socio demographics, DV victimization and perpetration via the Conflict of Adolescent Dating Relationships Inventory (CADRI), and suicidality. The primary outcome was the association between DV victimization and perpetration on suicidality. Different forms of DV were accounted for including emotional/relational, physical, and sexual DV. Logistic regressions determined differences in the rate of DV victimization and perpetration on suicidality between gender groups (cisgender female, cisgender male, and TGD). A stratified analysis was conducted to test if the relationship between DV and suicidality differed across gender identity. Approximately one-third (32.2%) of adolescents reported suicidality in the past 6 months. TGD adolescents were more likely to report suicidality compared to males (20.6%, p < .05) and females (32.7%, p > .05). The overall odds of suicidality increased as frequency of emotional/relational DV victimization (OR = 1.37, p < .001), physical DV victimization (OR = 1.59, p < .001) and sexual DV victimization (OR = 1.42, p < .001) increased. These relationships were not significant for DV perpetration. When stratifying findings by gender groups, all forms of DV victimization significantly increased the odds of suicidality for females as well as female perpetration of physical violence. For males, all forms of DV victimization and perpetration were associated with increased odds of suicidality, although not significant due to the smaller sample size. While DV victimization is associated with increased odds of suicidality for TGD, perpetration of DV is associated with decreased odds of suicidality, although not significant due to small sample size. The findings from this study provide further insight into experiences of DV and suicidality among gender diverse youth and can guide future interventions aimed at preventing DV and suicide among adolescents.

The Impact of Teen Dating Violence and Violent Attitudes on Mental Health Among Bisexual Youth

The present study investigated the prevalence of dating violence and mental health symptoms among bisexual youth. Participants completed surveys that measured three types (physical, psychological, and sexual) of dating violence and three types of mental health symptoms (depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and conduct disorder). Correlations revealed positive associations between sexual, physical, and psychological dating violence victimization among bisexual adolescents. Multiple regressions identified a connection between violent beliefs about a partner and experiencing violence with negative mental health symptoms. The results of the present study indicate that for bisexual teenagers who encountered dating violence, engaging in controlling behaviors and justifying violence against both boys and girls are notable indicators of adverse mental health outcomes. Mental health practitioners should be aware of the possible mental health symptoms among bisexual dating violence victims.

LGBTQ+ identity and delinquency: the importance of negative emotions and social bonds

ABSTRACT While prior research has examined differences in delinquency by LGBTQ+ identity, few have attempted to explain these differences within the scope of main criminological theories. Drawing on general strain theory and social bond theory, this study uses data from the Technology, Teen Dating Violence and Abuse, and Bullying in Three States, 2011–2012 survey (N = 5,647) to examine if negative emotions and different types of social bonds mediate relationships between LGBTQ+ identity and delinquency. Results show that youth who identify as LGBTQ+ report higher levels of negative emotions and lower levels of parental and school bonds compared to those who identify as heterosexual and cisgender. Results also show that youth who identify as LGBTQ+ report higher odds of general delinquency, marijuana use, and other drug use compared to youth who identify as heterosexual and cisgender. Finally, results show that relationships between LGBTQ+ identity and delinquency are largely mediated by negative emotions and school bonds.

Validation of the Adolescent Dating Violence Victim-Blaming Attitudes Scale.

Dating violence (DV) is a social problem that affects adolescents worldwide. Prevalence figures show that this type of violence is starting at an increasingly younger age, which is why it is important to study attitudes toward DV, as they are an important risk factor. Victim-blaming attitudes justify this type of violence by excusing perpetrators and blaming victims. The present study aimed to validate an instrument developed to assess victim-blaming attitudes in DV cases among the adolescent population: The Adolescent Dating Violence Victim-Blaming Attitudes Scale (ADV-VBA). Two samples of high school students were recruited using a two-stage stratified sampling by conglomerates, one consisting of 758 adolescents (48% females) and the other of 160 (50% females), whose ages ranged from 12 to 18 years. We found that this instrument presented good reliability and validity evidence, showing good internal consistency, a clear one-factor latent structure, and a close relation to other related constructs, such as ambivalent sexism and perpetration and victimization of DV. We also found that items did not present differential item functioning across gender and the instrument was especially informative for assessing moderate to high levels of victim-blaming attitudes. A short five-item version is also presented for use when time and space constraints exist. Our results indicate that the ADV-VBA scale is a psychometrically sound measure to assess victim-blaming attitudes in cases of adolescent DV.

Navigating Dating Violence: An Intersectional Analysis of Agency Among Young Iranian Immigrant Women

Women's agency in resisting violence and control within intimate relationships manifests in diverse forms, shaped by various social divisions and the socio-cultural contexts in which gender relations evolve. This research explores first-generation young Iranian immigrant women's responses to violence and control within their dating relationships in Canada. Employing an intersectional analysis, it delves into the multifaceted agency demonstrated by these women when confronting dating violence (DV). By contextualizing their agency within Collins's matrix of oppression, the study unveils how systems of oppression interlock to shape their agency. The findings underscored the substantial agency displayed by young women in asserting their self-determination and self-definition. This was evident in their ability to recognize the aggressor's controlling behaviors within their relationships and their outspoken critique of the deeply entrenched patriarchal and gendered norms prevailing in the dominant discourse within the Iranian community. The results underscore the pressing need for culturally sensitive interventions and education programs that move beyond mere DV awareness.

Maltreatment and Parent-Child Attachment as Predictors of Dating Violence and Risky Sexual Behaviour Among High-Risk Teens.

A history of maltreatment can increase risk for dating violence (DV) and risky sexual behaviour (RSB) among adolescents. Secure parent-child attachment may reduce this risk, yet few studies have examined this as a protective factor. This study differentiated developmentally appropriate, exploratory sexual behaviours from RSB and examined whether maltreatment experiences and parent-child attachment in adolescence predicted DV and RSB reported five years later in a high-risk sample. Participants were 179 adolescents (46% girls; M age = 15.34, range = 12-18 years) at risk for aggressive and antisocial behaviour. Adolescents reported their maltreatment histories and attachment to their parents at Time 1; five years later, at Time 2, they reported their experiences with DV perpetration and victimization and engagement in RSB. Both bivariate correlations and structural analyses demonstrated that maltreatment was associated with DV perpetration and victimization but not RSB, and attachment avoidance was associated with fewer RSB but not DV. Attachment anxiety was associated with physical DV perpetration and greater condom use, but only at the correlational level; attachment anxiety was not associated with DV or RSB in the structural model. There were no significant interaction effects. Findings highlight the importance of considering key developmental factors such as maltreatment and parent-child attachment in understanding adolescent risk for DV and RSB, and may inform future research that accounts for contextual factors such as motivation for violence perpetration and contraceptive use with multiple and/or casual sex partners.

High School Follow-Up of the Dating Matters® RCT: Effects on Teen Dating Violence and Relationship Behaviors

Teen dating violence (TDV) is a significant public health problem that can have lifelong consequences. Using a longitudinal, cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT), this study examines whether the Dating Matters comprehensive prevention model, implemented in middle school, prevented TDV and negative relationship behaviors and promoted positive relationship behaviors in high school (9th–11th grades), when compared with a standard of care intervention. Dating Matters includes programs for sixth to eighth grade youth and their parents, training for school staff, a youth communications program, and policy and data activities implemented in the community. Self-report survey data were collected from students in 46 middle schools that were randomly assigned to condition within site. Students completed two surveys (fall and spring) in each middle school grade and a single survey in the spring of each high school grade. This study examined self-reported TDV perpetration and victimization, use of negative conflict resolution strategies, and positive relationship skills in the high school follow-up. While varying patterns emerged, latent panel models demonstrated significant program effects for all outcomes. Dating Matters students reported 19% reduced risk for TDV perpetration, 24% reduced risk for TDV victimization, 7% reduced risk for use of negative conflict strategies, and 3% more use of positive relationship skills, on average across time and cohort, than standard of care students. On average, Dating Matters, implemented in middle school, continued to be more effective at reducing TDV perpetration, TDV victimization, and use of negative conflict resolution strategies in high school than an evidence-based comparison program.Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01672541.