Dating Violence in China

Abstract

Dating violence is aggressive behavior that occurs in intimate dating relationships; it includes physical assault, verbal and psychological aggression, and sexual coercion. This chapter discusses the issue of dating violence globally, with a focus on China. The chapter first presents a case of date rape. It then describes the prevalence of dating violence locally and globally and discusses the risk factors and protective factors. Next, it highlights how transnational feminism is adopted to understand the phenomenon. The chapter situates dating violence in China in the historical trends of women’s movement and violence research. The chapter deconstructs the current myths regarding dating violence and illustrates the current creative advocacy and activism among Chinese young people.