Risk Factors for Teen Dating Violence
RUNNING HEADER: Teen Dating Violence
Risk Factors for Teen Dating Violence
Introduction
Dating violence is defined by the United States Department of Justice as “the perpetration or threat of an act of violence by at least one member of an unmarried couple on the other member within the context of dating or courtship” (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, [CDC] 2009). It occurs in heterosexual and same-sex relationships. Dating violence crosses all economic, racial and social lines. Most victims are young women however men can be victims of violence as well. In dating violence, one partner tries to maintain power and control over the other through some kind of abuse. The violence can include physical harm, emotional or sexual abuse. Physical abuse consists of hitting, slapping, kicking, or pushing. Sexual abuse is forcing a person to have sexual intercourse. Emotional abuse is where threats, shouting, name calling, or other verbal abuses are used to intimidate or frighten the person. Psychological abuses such as isolation or jealousy are usually initiated first. Dating violence can also include harassment or intimidations by using texting, emailing, verbal abuse over social network websites and picture texting (Claiborne & TRU, 2005).
In previous years, dating violence appeared to be a social issue that occurred among adults. However, recent statistics show a growing increase in numbers as it relates to dating violence among adolescents. It is reported that one in three teenagers has experienced violence in a dating relationship (Center for Disease Control, 2009). About one in three high school students have been involved in an abusive relationship. Forty percent of teenage girls between the ages 14 to 17 say they know someone their age that has been hit or beaten by a boyfriend. One in five of dating couples report some type of violence in their relationship. One of five college females will experience some
Risk Factors for Teen Dating Violence
Introduction
Dating violence is defined by the United States Department of Justice as “the perpetration or threat of an act of violence by at least one member of an unmarried couple on the other member within the context of dating or courtship” (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, [CDC] 2009). It occurs in heterosexual and same-sex relationships. Dating violence crosses all economic, racial and social lines. Most victims are young women however men can be victims of violence as well. In dating violence, one partner tries to maintain power and control over the other through some kind of abuse. The violence can include physical harm, emotional or sexual abuse. Physical abuse consists of hitting, slapping, kicking, or pushing. Sexual abuse is forcing a person to have sexual intercourse. Emotional abuse is where threats, shouting, name calling, or other verbal abuses are used to intimidate or frighten the person. Psychological abuses such as isolation or jealousy are usually initiated first. Dating violence can also include harassment or intimidations by using texting, emailing, verbal abuse over social network websites and picture texting (Claiborne & TRU, 2005).
In previous years, dating violence appeared to be a social issue that occurred among adults. However, recent statistics show a growing increase in numbers as it relates to dating violence among adolescents. It is reported that one in three teenagers has experienced violence in a dating relationship (Center for Disease Control, 2009). About one in three high school students have been involved in an abusive relationship. Forty percent of teenage girls between the ages 14 to 17 say they know someone their age that has been hit or beaten by a boyfriend. One in five of dating couples report some type of violence in their relationship. One of five college females will experience some
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