NCJ Number
218013
Journal
Aggression and Violent Behavior: A Review Journal Volume: 12 Issue: 3 Dated: May-June 2007 Pages: 364-375
Date Published
May 2007
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This review examines the literature on primary and secondary prevention programs for dating violence, with an emphasis on methodological and theoretical issues.
Abstract
The prevention programs reviewed in this article show a step in the right direction toward eliminating dating violence. However, this represents a first effort at addressing the issue. The research base is clearly in need of refinement and improvement. Most of the research on dating violence prevention programs utilizes a middle school, adolescent, or college sample. By focusing exclusively on individuals in school systems, the effectiveness of these prevention programs has not been demonstrated with other older dating couples. Ideally, prevention programs can be initiated to circumvent or minimize violence and aggression in the context of dating relationships. Effective prevention programs are not only essential to prevent the immediate display of violence in young relationships, but are also important in terms of circumventing a possible future trajectory toward violence and violent relationships. The article attempts to identify broad themes and limitations in order to direct future research and clinical opportunities. References