Sexual Dating Violence Victimization Research Articles

Cumulative Incidence of Physical and Sexual Dating Violence: Insights From A Long-term Longitudinal Study.

Decades of inquiry on intimate partner violence show consistent results: violence is woefully common and psychologically and economically costly. Policy to prevent and effectively intervene upon such violence hinges upon comprehensive understanding of this phenomenon at a population level. The current study prospectively estimates the cumulative incidence of sexual and physical dating violence (DV) victimization/perpetration over a 12-year timeframe (2010-2021) using diverse participants assessed annually from age 15 to 26. Data are from Waves 1-13 of an ongoing longitudinal study. Since 2010 (except for 2018 and 2019), participants were assessed on past-year physical and sexual DV victimization and perpetration. Participants (n = 1,042; 56% female; Mage baseline = 15) were originally recruited from seven public high schools in southeast Texas. The sample consisted of Black/African American (30%), White (31%), Hispanic (31%), and Mixed/Other (8%) participants. Across 12 years of data collection, 27.3% experienced sexual DV victimization and 46.1% had experienced physical DV victimization by age 26. Further, 14.8% had perpetrated at least one act of sexual DV and 39.0% had perpetrated at least one act of physical DV against a partner by this age. A 12-year cumulative assessment of physical and sexual DV rendered prevalence estimates of both victimization and perpetration that exceeded commonly and consistently reported rates in the field, especially on studies that relied on lifetime or one-time specified retrospective reporting periods. These data suggest community youth are at continued and sustained risk for DV onset across the transition into emerging adulthood, necessitating early adolescent prevention and intervention efforts that endure through late adolescence, emerging adulthood, and beyond. From a research perspective, our findings point to the need for assessing DV on a repeated basis over multiple timepoints to better guage the full extent of this continued public health crisis.

Dating Violence Trajectories in Adolescence: How Do They Relate to Sexual Outcomes in Canada?

Dating violence during adolescence is a major public health issue: it is highly prevalent and extensive research has documented its physical and psychological consequences, yet very little has focused on its sexual consequences. The present study investigated the longitudinal associations between dating violence victimization (psychological, sexual or physical) and sexual well-being (sexual satisfaction and sexual distress) among 1442 sexually active adolescents aged between 14 and 17years who completed at least one of three data waves (51.1% girls; 45.7% boys; 0.3% non-binary; 3.0% varying gender identity). The study also examined whether these associations differed by gender identity and sexual minority status. Adolescents completed online questionnaires on electronic tablets during class. The results indicated that psychological, physical (except for boys), and sexual dating violence victimization were all associated with lower sexual satisfaction and greater sexual distress over time. Moreover, the between-level associations between dating violence and poorer sexual outcomes were stronger among girls and gender varying adolescents than among boys. The within-level association between physical dating violence and sexual satisfaction was significant among adolescents with a nonvarying sexual minority status, but not among those with a nonvarying heterosexual status or that varied in sexual minority status. Findings offer cues for dating violence prevention and intervention programs by suggesting the need to examine sexual well-being over time.

Relationship between Dating Violence and Mental Health of Young Victims and Perpetrators: A Systematic Review

The objective of this study was to systematize knowledge from studies of the relationship between dating violence and mental health of victims and perpetrators. A systematic review of articles published from 1981 to 2021, with a population aged 12 to 29 years and English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese as the publication languages, was performed. The search was carry out in seven information sources: EBSCO, PsycINFO, PUBMED, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, SCOPUS, and WOS. Of the 2925 articles that were found, 27 studies were included (10 of which were longitudinal). An impact of dating violence on the mental health of adolescent victims was detected, with depression as the most frequently triggered effect in young people,followed by anxiety, suicidal ideation, low self-esteem, and low emotional well-being. The results indicate the need to design, implement, and evaluate different alternatives for the prevention of DV. In addition, in longitudinal studies, physical, psychological, and sexual dating violence victimization is associated with depressive symptoms, post-traumatic stress, suicidal ideation, and anxiety. In perpetrators of psychological dating violence, it is related todepressive symptoms, anxiety, and hostility. The findings of the present study can contribute to the creation of future research programs for promoting healthy couple relationships among adolescents and young people.

Adolescents' internalizing symptoms predict dating violence victimization and perpetration 2 years later.

The aim of this longitudinal study was to examine bidirectional associations of adolescents' internalizing symptoms with dating violence victimization and perpetration. We conducted secondary analyses of the Québec Longitudinal Study of Child Development data (n = 974). Each adolescent completed items from the Conflict Tactics Scale (at ages 15 and 17 years) to assess psychological, physical, and sexual dating violence victimization and perpetration in the past 12 months. Adolescents' symptoms of depression and general anxiety in the past 12 months were self-reported (at ages 15 and 17 years) using The Mental Health and Social Inadaptation Assessment for Adolescents. There were concurrent associations of adolescents' internalizing symptoms with dating violence victimization and perpetration. Internalizing symptoms at age 15 years were positively associated with dating violence victimization and perpetration 2 years later in both males and females, even after adjusting for baseline characteristics. However, neither dating violence victimization nor perpetration at age 15 years was associated with internalizing symptoms 2 years later. For males and females, internalizing symptoms put adolescents at risk for future dating violence victimization and perpetration. Interventions that target internalizing symptoms may have the potential to decrease subsequent dating violence.

Increased Likelihood of Forced Sexual Intercourse, Sexual Violence, and Sexual Dating Violence Victimization Among Sexual Minority Youth.

Sexual violence victimization among adolescents, specifically sexual minority youth, is a significant public health concern. The purpose of this study was to compare sexual violence victimization rates among sexual minority and heterosexual youth using nationally representative data from the 2019 Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance System. Results indicated that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and questioning youth were significantly more likely than heterosexual youth (p < .05) to experience sexual violence (22.3% vs. 9.1%), sexual dating violence (16.3% vs. 6.4%), and forced sexual intercourse (17.6% vs. 5.9%). Among sexual minority youth, female participants were more likely than male participants (p < .05) to experience sexual violence (23.5% vs. 18.0%), sexual dating violence (17.2% vs. 11.6%), and forced sexual intercourse (19.0% vs. 13.1%). This study identified varying rates of sexual violence victimization among a national sample of youth while examining the differences between heterosexual and sexual minority communities. The additional behavioral risks experienced by sexual minority youth should be further researched to determine impact on overall quality of life and to help guide health education intervention development.

Adolescent Risk of Dating Violence and Electronic Dating Abuse: A Latent Class Analysis.

Electronic forms of dating violence among youth are common yet little is known about how these forms of violence overlap with the commonly studied domains of physical, sexual and verbal teen dating violence. Using factor analysis and latent class analysis, this study identifies patterns of electronic, verbal, physical and sexual dating violence victimization and perpetration in 9th and 12th graders. Data are from 470 9th (n = 190; 60.5% female; mean age = 12.0 years, age range: 11.3-13.8) and 12th graders (n = 280; 63.9% female; mean age = 14.9 years, age range: 14.0-16.6) from southeastern Michigan. A 5-class solution for 9th graders and a 6-class solution for 12th graders were selected given fit and interpretability. Classes were characterized by domain(s) of violence, as opposed to perpetration or victimization. Three domains of electronic dating aggression were identified: monitoring, harassment, and coercion. Electronic dating aggression was present in the majority of classes, and overlapped substantially with other domains of violence. The highest risk class had risk of victimization and perpetration for all types of dating violence (electronic monitoring, electronic harassment, electronic coercion, verbal violence, physical violence and sexual violence). Drug use and experiencing one or more adverse childhood experiences predicted membership in a higher risk group for the older cohort, while alcohol consumption predicted higher risk for the younger cohort. The findings from this study show overlap between dating violence domains and imply that domains of electronic dating violence are important to consider in conjunction with physical, sexual and verbal domains, to address teen dating violence.

Profiles and Predictors of Dating Violence Among Sexual and Gender Minority Adolescents

PurposeSexual and gender minority adolescents report higher levels of dating violence compared with their heterosexual and cisgender peers. The objectives of the present study were to (1) identify latent profiles of dating violence; (2) examine if sexual and gender minority adolescents were particularly vulnerable to certain profiles of dating violence; and (3) explore how experiences of peer victimization, discrimination, and parental maltreatment explained this greater vulnerability. MethodsHigh school students in Grades 9 and 11 from the 2016 Minnesota Student Survey (N = 87,532; mean age = 15.29 years, SD = 1.23) were asked about their sexual and gender identities, their gender nonconformity, their experiences of verbal, physical, and sexual dating violence victimization and perpetration, as well their experiences of childhood maltreatment, peer victimization, and gender-based and sexual minority status–based discrimination. ResultsMultinomial logistic regression analysis in a three-step latent class analysis procedure suggested five profiles of dating violence victimization and perpetration across the entire sample. Sexual and gender minority adolescents were generally more likely to be in classes high in dating violence victimization, perpetration, or both, compared with their heterosexual and cisgender peers. Gender nonconformity was also associated with greater risk for being in high dating violence classes. These differences, however, were generally nonsignificant when the social stressors of childhood maltreatment, peer victimization, and experiences of discrimination were accounted for. ConclusionsAlthough findings suggested greater vulnerability for dating violence among sexual and gender minority adolescents, they underscore the importance of how minority stressors generally accounted for this greater vulnerability for dating violence.

Sexual dating violence victimization and adolescent psychological distress in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract Background Studies from high income countries showed physical and psychological dating violence associated with poor mental health (MH) outcomes, including depressive symptoms and suicide attempts. However, sexual dating violence (SDV) has received less attention, especially in low middle-income countries like Brazil. This study investigated the prevalence and the effect of SDV victimization on MH in adolescent students from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Methods This is a school-based study comprising 550 students enrolled in 13 high schools. Only adolescents reporting at least one romantic relationship in the prior twelve months were eligible. SDV and MH were measured using the Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationships Inventory (CADRI) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), respectively. Frequency of SDV was assessed in the aggregate and by specific sociodemographic subgroups. Multivariate logistic models were employed to study the relationship between SDV victimization and MH status. Direct Acyclic Graphs steared the covariates selection process: skin color, maternal education, history of child sexual abuse, and sex. Results The prevalence of SDV victimization experienced over the last 12 months was 16.5%. SDV victimization was a significant risk factor for MH problems (OR = 2.04; 95%CI: 1.01 - 4.15). Conclusions The high prevalence of SDV among students in the sample was striking. Its relationship with psychological suffering highlights the importance of involving schools and health services in actions aimed at reducing all forms of SDV and at mitigating its consequences. The findings also indicate that mental health professionals should regurlarly investigate SDV victimization among adolescents reporting MH symptoms. Key messages Rio de Janeiro schools and health services need to join efforts to develop and implement actions aimed at the prevention of sexual dating violence. Health professionals might investigate if adolescents with psychological distress are also victims of sexual dating violence.

Sexual Dating Violence, School-Based Violence, and Risky Behaviors Among U.S. High School Students.

Sexual dating violence is associated with several risky health behaviors among adolescents. This study explored the associations between school-based violence, risky health behaviors, and sexual dating violence victimization among U.S. high school students using the 2017 Youth Behavior Risk Survey data. Results indicate a statistically significant correlation (p < .05) between sexual dating violence, sex, sexual identity, and various risky behaviors including bullying, electronic bullying, alcohol use, and physical fighting. These additional behavioral risks experienced by sexual dating violence victims should be further researched to determine impact on overall quality of life and to help guide health education intervention development.

Risk Markers for Physical Teen Dating Violence Victimization in the United States: A Meta-Analysis.

Teen dating violence is a serious health concern in the United States. The goal of this study was to synthesize the current knowledge of risk markers for physical teen dating violence victimization through the use of a meta-analysis. A total of 50 studies, yielding 221 unique effect sizes, met the inclusion criteria for the analysis. Using Dutton's nested ecological model as a framework, a total of 29 risk markers for physical teen dating violence victimization were examined. There were enough effect sizes found to be able to examine 18 risk markers in the ontogenetic system, nine risk markers in the microsystem, and two risk markers in the exosystem. The results indicated that the strongest risk markers located in the ontogenetic system were substance use, risky sexual behaviors, having carried a weapon, suicide attempts, and disordered eating. The strongest risk markers found in the adolescents' microsystem were related to other forms of teen dating violence perpetration and victimization (i.e., physical dating violence perpetration, sexual dating violence victimization, emotional dating violence victimization). The two risk markers found in the exosystem (neighborhood disorganization and low socioeconomic status) were significant but small in magnitude. This study also compared the strength of 10 risk markers for teen dating violence victimization between male and female adolescents and did not find any significant differences related to gender. Examining which risk markers for physical teen dating violence are the strongest in magnitude can highlight various markers that might help identify adolescents who are being victimized in their romantic relationships and need additional resources.

Substance Use and Disparities in Teen Dating Violence Victimization by Sexual Identity Among High School Students.

Sexual minority youth (SMY) report more substance use and experience more physical and sexual dating violence victimization than heterosexual youth; however, few studies have explored the relationship between substance use and disparities in teen dating violence and victimization (TDVV) using national-level estimates, and examined if these relationships vary by sexual minority subgroups. Data from the nationally representative 2015 and 2017 national Youth Risk Behavior Surveys were used to examine differences in TDVV and substance use by sexual identity, and to determine if substance use was associated with TDVV disparities between SMY and heterosexual high school students who dated 12months prior to the survey (n = 18,704). Sex-stratified logistic regression models generated prevalence ratios adjusted for demographic characteristics and substance use behaviors to determine if substance use mediated the relationship between sexual identity and TDVV. Compared with their heterosexual peers, SMY experienced higher rates of TDVV and were more likely to report using most types of substances, although differences were more pronounced among female students compared with male students. Disparities in TDVV were reduced for male gay and bisexual students as well as for female bisexual students once substance use was entered into the model, suggesting that there is a relationship between substance use and some of gay and bisexual students' risk for experiences of TDVV. Comprehensive efforts for violence prevention among sexual minority students may benefit from incorporating substance use prevention, given its relationship to disparities in TDVV.

"When You're in a Relationship, You Say No, but Your Partner Insists": Sexual Dating Violence and Ambiguity Among Girls and Young Women.

Sexual dating violence (DV) is highly prevalent and associated with deleterious outcomes. Unfortunately, this form of violence remains poorly understood. Furthermore, the measures used to assess sexual DV may not account for the various manifestations of sexual DV, which limits our understanding of this problem. This study aimed to (a) explore how girls and young women describe their experiences of sexual DV and (b) explore whether the taxonomy on intimate partner sexual violence developed by Bagwell-Gray and colleagues could be applicable to girls and young women's experiences of sexual DV. A total of 71 adolescent girls and young women who identified themselves as heterosexual were recruited. Sexual DV was assessed using an adapted version of the Sexual Experiences Survey, followed by a semistructured interview. Findings revealed that 29.6% of participants reported sexual DV victimization in the past 12 months. A direct content analysis was performed based on the taxonomy of Bagwell-Gray and colleagues. Four manifestations of sexual DV were illustrated from the youth's narratives: (a) sexual coercion, (b) sexual assault, (c) sexual abuse, and (d) forced sexual activities. Our results underscore the ambiguity of sexual consent and definition of sexual DV among adolescent girls and young women. This research further supports the necessity to develop and implement prevention programs that specifically target sexual DV in this population.

Physical and Sexual Dating Violence and Nonmedical Use of Prescription Drugs.

Little information is available on the associations between nonmedical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) and dating violence victimization (DVV) among high school students and how associations vary by sex. We used data from the 2015 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a cross-sectional survey of a nationally representative sample of students in grades 9 to 12. The sample was restricted to students who dated during the 12 months before the survey, resulting in a sample of 5136 boys and 5307 girls. Sex-stratified logistic regression models estimated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between lifetime NMUPD and DVV. In our analyses, we examined a 4-level DVV measure: no DVV, physical only, sexual only, and both physical and sexual. Male students had a significantly lower prevalence of DVV compared with female students. By using the 4-level measure of DVV, after adjusting for covariates, sexual DVV only (aPR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.21-2.12) and both physical and sexual DVV (aPR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.26-2.17) were positively associated with NUMPD among boys, whereas among girls, physical DVV only (aPR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.16-1.75) and both physical and sexual DVV (aPR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.03-1.99) were positively associated with NMUPD. NMUPD was associated with experiences of DVV among both male and female students. Community- or school-based adolescent violence and substance use prevention efforts would be enhanced by considering the association between DVV and substance use, particularly NMUPD among both male and female adolescents, to address these public health problems.

Adolescent Dating Violence and Nonmedical Prescription Drug Use.

* Abbreviations: DV — : dating violence NMUPD — : nonmedical use of prescription drugs In this issue of Pediatrics , Clayton et al1 report on the associations between adolescent dating violence (DV) victimization and the nonmedical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) using the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System. Given our national focus on the opioid epidemic, studies on associations of NMUPD with other health risk exposures among adolescents, such as DV victimization, are timely. Because most researchers conducting studies on NMUPD among adolescents have relied on emergency department samples or limited geographic areas, researchers conducting a study using nationally representative data to estimate prevalence ratios add needed perspective. With a sample of 10 443 male- and female-identified US high school students who had dated in the past 12 months, Clayton et al1 provide sex-stratified analyses revealing that experiencing both physical and sexual DV victimization is associated with NMUPD for both sex categories. Stratifying by sex category identifies some subtle but important differences. Among boys, there is an association of lifetime NMUPD with sexual violence victimization, whereas among girls, lifetime NMUPD is associated with physical DV victimization. Among girls, NMUPD is associated with a higher frequency of sexual violence victimization … Address correspondence to Elizabeth Miller, MD, PhD, Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Oakland Medical Building, 3420 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. E-mail: elizabeth.miller{at}chp.edu

Patterns of Dating Violence Victimization and Perpetration among Latino Youth.

Theory and research suggest that there may be significant heterogeneity in the development, manifestation, and consequences of adolescent dating violence that is not yet well understood. The current study contributed to our understanding of this heterogeneity by identifying distinct patterns of involvement in psychological, physical, and sexual dating violence victimization and perpetration in a sample of Latino youth (n = 201; M = 13.87 years; 42% male), a group that is understudied, growing, and at high risk for involvement in dating violence. Among both boys and girls, latent class analyses identified a three-class solution wherein the largest class demonstrated a low probability of involvement in dating violence across all indices ("uninvolved"; 56% of boys, 64% of girls) and the smallest class demonstrated high probability of involvement in all forms of dating violence except for sexual perpetration among girls and physical perpetration among boys ("multiform aggressive victims"; 10% of boys, 11% of girls). A third class of "psychologically aggressive victims" was identified for which there was a high probability of engaging and experiencing psychological dating violence, but low likelihood of involvement in physical or sexual dating violence (34% of boys, 24% of girls). Cultural (parent acculturation, acculturation conflict), family (conflict and cohesion) and individual (normative beliefs, conflict resolution skills, self-control) risk and protective factors were associated with class membership. Membership in the multiform vs. the uninvolved class was concurrently associated with emotional distress among girls and predicted emotional distress longitudinally among boys. The results contribute to understanding heterogeneity in patterns of involvement in dating violence among Latino youth that may reflect distinct etiological processes.

Familial Influences on Dating Violence Victimization Among Latino Youth

ABSTRACTDespite theoretical and empirical evidence suggesting that the family environment plays a central role in Latino youth development, relatively little is known about how family processes influence dating violence victimization among Latino adolescents. To address this gap in the literature, we used data from 210 Latino parents and their 13- to 15-year-old adolescents to examine associations between several different family processes, including both parenting practices (parent monitoring, parent–adolescent communication) and aspects of the family relational climate (family cohesion, family conflict, acculturation conflict) and psychological, physical, and sexual dating violence victimization. Consistent with expectations, lower levels of family cohesion and higher levels of family and acculturation conflict were associated with risk for dating violence victimization, although associations varied depending on victimization type. In contrast, neither parental monitoring nor parent–adolescent communication was significantly associated with any type of dating violence victimization. In addition, we found that parent, but not teen, Anglo-American acculturation was associated with higher dating violence victimization risk. Findings suggest that family-based dating abuse prevention programs for Latino youth should seek to increase family cohesion and decrease family conflict, including acculturation-based conflict.

Effects of perpetrator identity on suicidality and nonsuicidal self-injury in sexually victimized female adolescents.

PurposeChild sexual abuse and sexual dating violence victimization are common problems that are known to have long-term negative consequences. This study aimed to compare the sociodemographic, abuse-related, and clinical features of female adolescents who were sexually abused by different perpetrators, and identify the factors associated with suicidality and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) in these cases.Patients and methodsData of 254 sexually abused female adolescents between the ages of 12–18 years were evaluated. The cases were classified into three groups, namely “sexual dating violence”, “incest”, and “other child sexual abuse”, according to the identity of the perpetrator. The three groups were compared in terms of sociodemographic, abuse-related, and clinical features.ResultsMajor depressive disorder was the most common psychiatric diagnosis, which was present in 44.9% of the cases. Among all victims, 25.6% had attempted suicide, 52.0% had suicidal ideation, and 23.6% had NSSI during the postabuse period. A logistic regression analysis revealed that attempted suicide was predicted by dating violence victimization (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] =3.053; 95% confidence interval [CI] =1.473, 6.330) and depression (AOR =2.238; 95% CI =1.226, 4.086). Dating violence victimization was also the strongest predictor of subsequent suicidal ideation (AOR =3.500; 95% CI =1.817, 6.741). In addition, revictimization was determined to be an important risk factor for both suicidal ideation (AOR =2.897; 95% CI =1.276, 6.574) and NSSI (AOR =3.847; 95% CI =1.899, 7.794).ConclusionPerpetrator identity and revictimization are associated with negative mental health outcomes in sexually victimized female adolescents. Increased risk of suicidality and NSSI should be borne in mind while assessing cases with dating violence and revictimization histories, in particular.

Incidence and Outcomes of Dating Violence Victimization Among High School Youth: The Role of Gender and Sexual Orientation.

The purpose of this study was to examine rates of dating violence (DV) victimization and DV victimization outcomes as a function of sex and sexual orientation. Participants were 25,122 high school students who participated in the 2013 New Hampshire Youth Risk Behavior Survey study. Heterosexual youth, especially heterosexual male youth, were less likely to report experiencing physical and sexual DV victimization than lesbian, gay, bisexual, and questioning (LGBQ) girls and boys. Among LGBQ girls and boys, there was little variability in rates of DV victimization with the exception of questioning boys being significantly more likely to experience physical and sexual DV victimization than several other LGBQ sub-groups. Furthermore, LGBQ DV victims reported worse outcomes than heterosexual DV victims on measures of depression, binge drinking, and poor academic performance. At the sub-group level, bisexual and questioning female victims were most at risk for depression; bisexual and questioning male victims were most at risk for binge drinking; bisexual male victims were most at risk for poor academic performance. The findings underscore the importance of better understanding variability in DV incidence and outcomes within the LGBQ population and using this information to inform clinical intervention and prevention efforts.

The Role of Parent Communication and Connectedness in Dating Violence Victimization among Latino Adolescents.

Dating violence among U.S. adolescents is a substantial concern. Previous research indicates that Latino youth are at increased risk of dating violence victimization. This secondary data analysis examined the prevalence of physical and sexual dating violence victimization among subgroups of Latino adolescents and associations of parent communication, parent caring, and dating violence victimization using data from the 2010 Minnesota Student Survey (N = 4,814). Parallel analyses were conducted for Latino-only and multiple-race Latino adolescents, stratified by gender. Multivariate logistic regression models tested associations between race/ethnicity, parent communication, perceived parent caring, and adolescent dating violence experiences. Overall, 7.2% to 16.2% of Latinos reported physical or sexual dating violence. Both types of dating violence were more prevalent among multiple-race Latinos than among Latino-only adolescents, with prevalence rates highest among multiple-race Latino females (19.8% and 19.7% for physical and sexual dating violence victimization, respectively). In multivariate models, perceived parent caring was the most important protective factor against physical and sexual dating violence among males and females. High levels of mother and father communication were associated with less physical violence victimization among males and females and with less sexual violence victimization among females. Results highlight the importance of parent communication and parent caring as buffers against dating violence victimization for Latino youth. These findings indicate potential for preventive interventions with Latino adolescents targeting family connectedness to address dating violence victimization.

Effectiveness of “Shifting Boundaries” Teen Dating Violence Prevention Program for Subgroups of Middle School Students

PurposeWe examine whether the Shifting Boundaries (SB) intervention, a primary intervention to prevent youth dating violence and sexual harassment (DV/H), is differentially effective for girls compared with boys or for youth with a history of DV/H experiences. MethodsWe randomly assigned SB to 30 public middle schools in New York City, enrolling 117 sixth and seventh grade classes to receive a classroom, building, combined, or neither intervention. The SB classroom intervention included six sessions emphasizing the laws/consequences of DV/H, establishing boundaries and safe relationships. The SB schoolwide/building intervention included the use of school-based restraining orders, greater faculty/security presence in unsafe “hot spots” mapped by students, and posters to increase DV/H awareness and reporting. Student surveys were implemented at baseline, immediately after intervention, and 6 months after intervention. ResultsAt 6 months after intervention, the SB building-level intervention was associated with significant reductions in the frequency of sexual harassment (SH) perpetration and victimization; the prevalence and frequency of sexual dating violence victimization; and the frequency of total dating violence victimization and perpetration. We also had one anomalous finding that the interventions were associated with an increase in the prevalence of SH victimization. These results were consistent for girls and boys, and those with or without a history of DV/H, with the one exception for those exposed to the SB building condition who had earlier reported perpetrating SH had a significantly lower frequency of perpetrating SH at the follow-up than those without such a history. ConclusionsSB can provide effective universal prevention of middle school DV/H experiences, regardless of students' prior exposure histories, and for boys and girls.