An Indiana study has found that 11% of teens in that state had experienced dating violence. It also found that victims of dating violence are more likely to carry a weapon to school, be injured in a fight, suffer depression, or drink too much, and may possibly by more likely to attempt suicide.
"Less than 10% adolescents in the United States experienced dating violence in the past decade, while Indiana adolescents consistently reported about an 11% rate," said study co-author Cathy Whaley, manager of by Northeast Indiana Area Health Education Center at Ball State University in Muncie, IN. Experiencing violence from a dating partner can have an impact on a teen's education and social life.
Dating violence can be physical, sexual, psychological, and/or emotional violence within a dating relationship. In the survey, teens were asked if their boyfriend or girlfriend ever hit, slapped, or physically hurt them in the past 12 months.
The Indiana study also found that teen victims of dating violence were two or more times likely to have symptoms of depression and binge drink, consider or attempt suicide, and have poor grades in school.
The rates of dating violence differed based on age, race, and ethnicity. The highest rate, 14.9%, was observed in high school seniors, followed by Hispanic females (14.1%), white males (12.8%) and African-American females (11.4%).
Violent behavior among teens can be prevented. Several prevention programs have been created to educate teens and teach them better life skills. Teens with better life skills could be less likely to enter or stay in a violent relationship.
The study is based on data collected by the 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, a survey conducted every other year by state organizations and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
