NCJ Number
228314
Journal
Violence Against Women Volume: 15 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2009 Pages: 1087-1105
Date Published
September 2009
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the beliefs regarding dating violence among middle school youth, and recommends prevention efforts that may be employed to reduce teen dating violence.
Abstract
Results of data analysis indicate that most participants did not condone dating violence, indicating that prevention efforts should build and support attitudes rejecting violence. Findings suggest that youth-development strategies such as communication skill building, conflict management, and courageous bystander behavior can harness the largely prosocial attitudes exhibited by this age group. Research suggests that many or most youth do not endorse abuse, and that programs and strategies should start from the position that youth are part of the solution, not just a problem to be fixed by adults. Youth cannot be held solely responsible for all improvements in teen dating violence prevention. Adults, schools, and communities can contribute to enhanced well-being and safety for young people by proper role modeling, supervision, educational programming, policy change (enforcement), and challenging social norms that condone all forms of abuse and violence. The extensive nature of teen dating violence requires creative and comprehensive solutions that include the action of all community members: youth, teachers, coaches, parents, friends, and policymakers. This article summarizes the methods, data analysis, and findings from 12 focus groups of middle school youths intended to guide both research and practice in the growing field of teen dating violence prevention. Data were gathered from middle school age children identified by a marketing research facility. Moderators asked questions about relationships, abuse in dating situations, intervention in violent situations, and trusted sources of information and help regarding dating violence. References