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Abstract
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VioLit summary:
OBJECTIVE:
The aim of this article by Levy was to comment on the issue of escalating teen dating violence and to present possible prevention and intervention strategies for addressing this problem.
METHODOLOGY:
The author presented a non-experimental review of the literature and a discussion of possible options for addressing the issue of teen dating violence.
FINDINGS/DISCUSSION:
The author stated that levels of teen dating violence are rising and considering the impact that teen dating violence has on later relationship violence the issue needs to be addressed by researchers and policy makers in the 1990's. The author argued that focus needs to center on prevention and intervention.
Research throughout the 1980's revealed that teen dating violence, as with spouse abuse, increases in severity and frequency the longer it continues. Several sociocultural factors were said to contribute to increasing levels of teen dating violence. These included adherence to traditional gender roles, romantic and rigid relationship expectations, and a life stage characterized as a period of insecurity and change and inadequate intimacy experience. The author reported that teenagers often believe that abuse in a relationship will cease once marriage or co-habitation takes place. However, research has revealed that it is likely to continue and even exacerbate after marriage. According to the author adolescents tend to be reluctant to seek help from adults in authority, including their parents, making efforts to assist them more difficult. The author also said that teenage women who may recognize that abuse is occurring believe that their experiences and situations will not be taken seriously.
AUTHOR'S RECOMMENDATIONS:
The author has suggested that research in the 1990's needs to focus upon the causes of teen dating violence and upon defining the pattern of teen dating violence development and how it differs from marital violence. The author stated that this issue also needs to be considered in relation to other adolescent issues including AIDS and substance and alcohol abuse. Teen dating violence was said to impact on various aspects of youths' lives including their families and ensuing relationships and education and social networks. Future research, according to the author, needs to address these also and agencies that assist the abused need to expand their programs to cater to adolescents. Current programs that target adolescents in need have not recognized teen dating violence. Teenagers have not been made aware of legal and other resources available to them and domestic violence law enforcement has not applied to adolescents. The author stated that teen dating violence needs to be identified as a problem and resources must be made available to victims. According to the author, this can be achieved through education and outreach, by directing future policy making towards providing prevention/intervention programs for youth, parents and youthworkers. The author stated that other agencies including schools, clinics and law enforcers need to identify and address the problem of teen dating violence. The author concluded by suggesting the arrest of teen dating violent offenders as a possible strategy for addressing this problem.
(CSPV Abstract - Copyright © 1992-2007 by the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence, Institute of Behavioral Science, Regents of the University of Colorado)
Dating Violence Effects
Juvenile Violence
Juvenile Victim
Juvenile Violence
Juvenile Offender
Dating Violence Causes
Dating Violence Victim
Dating Violence Offender
Prevention Recommendations
Intervention Recommendations
Research Recommendations
Dating Violence Prevention
Dating Violence Intervention
Violence Against Women
Partner Violence
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