NCJ Number
197669
Date Published
2002
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This chapter on dating violence addresses the dynamics of dating violence, the characteristics of teen dating violence, teen date rape, and the causes of dating violence.
Abstract
Dating violence, like domestic or intimate violence, is a means used by the perpetrator to control and dominate the victim through intimidation, threats, and physical, emotional, sexual, and verbal abuse. The abuser uses aggression to impose his/her will on the victim by releasing frustrations, jealousies, or other pent-up negative energy. Many teen offenders in violent relationships were victims of child abuse or family violence. Ten percent of teens who have experienced intrafamilial violence become perpetrators of dating violence. Similar to the dynamics of domestic violence, relationship violence is often repetitive and intensifies as long as the relationship remains intact. Teen dating violence has become an epidemic in the United States, according to much of the research. It is estimated that as many as 33 percent of youth of high school and college age are involved in intimate or dating violence. Date rape by teens is a serious consequence and correlate of dating violence in the United States. Ageton (1983) found that date rape constituted 67 percent of the sexual violence reported by adolescent girls and young women. In spite of its prevalence, date rape of teenage females has a low rate of reporting. The illicit use of so-called date-rape drugs such as Rohypnol, Ketamine, and GHB is becoming increasingly popular among adolescent and young-adult males in rendering young females helpless as rape victims. In addition to childhood abuse of the perpetrator, many researchers have found a strong correlation between male aggressor alcohol use and dating violence. The inequality of the partners in terms of power and resources has also been identified by researchers as an important variable in the likelihood of partner violence.