NCJ Number
192271
Journal
Family Violence & Sexual Assault Bulletin Volume: 17 Issue: 3 Dated: Fall 2001 Pages: 6-14
Date Published
2001
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article addressed the issue of the growing number of young adults experiencing both physical and verbal aggression in dating situations. The need for future research and prevention were also discussed.
Abstract
A group of 128 students from a large California university were questioned about their gender orientations, experiences using physical and verbal aggression in dating situations, and justification for such action. It showed that both aggressive and non-aggressive females rated themselves “androgynous” according to the “Bem Sex-Role Inventory.” On the other hand, males who perpetrated either verbal or physical violence classified themselves as masculine, and non-perpetrating males saw themselves as feminine. The study also found that individuals who were more prone to physical violence stated that dating violence was justified and that gender orientation had no influence in this regard. The authors felt that future research was necessary but concluded that, despite limitations to this study, such as the type design and sample size, this research could assist in the development of prevention programs. They recommended prevention programs in a variety of settings; skills and training designed to fit students’ developmental phase from primary grade level and up; and specific topics to include gender orientation, values, and beliefs. To make prevention programs more effective partnership between the justice system, government, and community are essential. Tables, references