Dating Violence: Prevalence, Context, and Risk Markers (From Violence in Dating Relationships, P 3-32, 1989, Maureen A Pirog-Good and Jan E Stets, eds. -- See NCJ-118347)

• NCJ Number: 118348
• Author(s): D B Sugarman; G T Hotaling
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 30 pages
• Sale Source: Praeger Publishers
• Publication Type: Literature Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This literature review examines current knowledge about the prevalence and correlates of dating violence and compares these findings with a similar analysis of marital violence.

Abstract

For the purpose of this study, violence is defined as "the use or threat of physical force or restraint carried out with the intent of causing pain or injury to another." The definition of dating violence excludes married persons and divorced couples who are not attempting to reconcile their relationships, incorporates a range of relationships from the first dates to cohabitation and engagement, and can apply to homosexual as well as to heterosexual relationships. Based on studies reporting victimization rates for both males and females, on average, over one-third of the respondents reported violence victimization at some point in their dating history. This is similar to the lifetime prevalence rate that has been reported in studies of spousal violence. Lower family income, poorer academic performance, and greater stress levels are related to higher levels of dating violence. A high proportion of abusive men reported using violence to control the woman's behavior. The paper discusses research methodology, theory, and policy implications. 2 tables, 84 references.