Journal of Pediatric Nursing
Volume 22, Issue 6 , Pages 427-429, December 2007

Teen Dating Violence: An Unrecognized Health Care Need

Journal of Pediatric Nursing, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Article Outline

 

TEEN DATING VIOLENCE is a phenomenon that has been largely ignored by health care professionals. Adolescence is considered to be a particularly high-risk period for violence victimization (Gagne, Lavoie, & Hebert, 2005). It is estimated that more than one third of teens report having been victims of violence in their dating relationships (Forcier, Patel, & Kahn, 2003). What constitutes teen dating violence? According to the National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center (n.d.), “Dating violence can take many forms, including psychological and emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse. It can occur in the context of casual dating or serious long-term relationships.” Teens who are exposed to dating violence are at higher risk for intimate partner violence later in adulthood (Black et al., 2006, Jaycox et al., 2006, Rayburn, et al., in press, Smith et al., 2003, Taylor & Sorenson, 2004).

Prevalence data from national surveys reveal the scope of the problem. Findings from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health found that 12% of students in Grades 7 to 12 reported being physically victimized; 20% were psychologically victimized by their dating partners (Black et al., 2006, Halpern et al., 2001). According to the National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (2005) of the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS),1 9.2% of teens indicated that they had been victims of dating physical violence, which means that they had been deliberately hit, slapped, or hurt by their boyfriends or girlfriends during the previous 12 months. The prevalence of youth violence victimization as reported by the YRBSS has remained a fairly consistent trend since 1999 (Black et al., 2006, Grunbaum et al., 2004). Also, prevalence rates vary as to the type of dating violence and whether the teen is the victim or the perpetrator of the dating violence (Hickman, Jaycox, & Aronoff, 2004).

Research to enlarge our understanding of the scope of this problem is in the seminal stages. For example, initial findings reveal gender and ethnic differences. Girls experience higher rates of sexual and physical victimization. Although both boys and girls perpetrate violence against their dating partners as uncontrolled expressions of anger, their motivations and acts of violence differ. Boys engage in more violent acts consisting of beatings and threats involving lethal weapons, whereas girls kick, slap, or shove their partners (Schwartz, O'Leary, & Kendziora, 1997). Girls resort to the use of violence as a means of self-protection. In contrast, boys view the use of violent acts as a means to exert dominance over their partners (Banyard et al., 2006, O'Keefe, 1997). Teens living in rural areas are at higher risk for teen dating violence compared to teens living in urban communities (Spencer & Bryant, 2000).

There are a number of reasons to account for the lack of recognition of this serious public health problem affecting teens. Attempts to report the prevalence of teen dating violence have been a challenge. Estimates vary from 9% to 23% depending on the methodology, sample size, and how abuse associated with teen violence is operationalized (Hickman et al., 2004, Jonson-Reod et al., 2007; Youth Risk Behavior Risk Study Survey, 2005). For example, two national surveys, YRBSS and the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), illustrate the differences in methodological approaches that help to explain the inconsistencies in reporting rates of prevalence. YRBSS data are collected from students via survey in the school setting; the NCVS is completed using an interview format in the presence of family members (Hickman et al., 2004).

One of the difficulties in effectively addressing this public health problem is that teens may not be forthcoming about their exposure to dating violence. The teen may have continued yet misplaced feelings of affection for his or her abusing partner as the abused teen may not fully recognize or understand his or her predicament. Consequently, it is important that health care professionals assess, recognize, and provide services to teens who are victims of dating violence (Forcier et al., 2003). Signs and symptoms that warrant additional provider evaluation include unexplained injuries, bruises, and scratches; repeated sexually transmitted infections; and observable behavior changes ranging from alterations in eating and sleeping to academic and behavior problems (Nicoletti, 2000).

Recognition of the problem of spousal or partner abuse is viewed as a phenomenon affecting adult relationships, not teen relationships. The focus of media coverage, public discourse, law enforcement, health care, and social service professionals as well as legislative efforts at the state and federal levels has been directed toward adult relationships. As a result, there is a conspicuous absence of information urging teens who are in abusive relationships to obtain help from the media via public service announcements, parents, teachers, health care providers, other significant adult authority figures, and their peers. It is important that nurses begin the important work of reaching teens who are at risk either as perpetrators or as victims of violence in dating relationships. Outreach efforts include providing the services needed to assess and treat teens who are in abusive relationships (Jewkes, Vundule, Maforah, & Jordaan, 2001). Instructional efforts about teen dating violence are required to inform not only teens but also their parents and members of the community where teens live and act. Research is needed to increase our understanding of the phenomenon of teen dating violence and to communicate to consumers, professionals, educators, advocates, and policymakers the evidence-based strategies needed to address this serious public health problem (Banyard et al., 2006, Hickman et al., 2004).

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  • 2 YRBSS monitors the prevalence of health risk behaviors of youth in Grades 9 to 12 that contribute to youth mortality, morbidity, and social problems. Areas assessed include tobacco, alcohol, and illicit substance use; sexual activity resulting in sexually transmitted infections; unwanted pregnancies; and factors contributing to overweight and obesity.

PII: S0882-5963(07)00369-7

doi:10.1016/j.pedn.2007.10.001

Journal of Pediatric Nursing
Volume 22, Issue 6 , Pages 427-429, December 2007

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