Dating Violence

The prevalence and perceptions of dating violence were investigated in this study. Participants were traditional-aged college students, and each completed a survey about verbal, physical, or sexual violence experienced while on a date or in a dating relationship. The survey explores whether the respondent continued the relationship after the first incidence of violence, whether he or she perceived the act as abusive, and if either the respondent or the aggressor was using alcohol directly before or during the violent act. Respondents were also asked if they divulged the incidents to anyone and, if so, to whom. The findings indicated that dating violence is a severe problem among young daters and significant differences may exist between genders regarding perceptions of acceptable behavior. The research offers credence for orientation programming and on-going education on this important developmental issue.