The Prevention Researcher, Volume 16, Number 1, 2009, Item# 161

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Many youth in middle and high school have already experienced dating violence, either as a perpetrator and/or a victim. This issue explores this important topic by taking a special look at the peer context, as well as how youth seek help from others and give help to their friends.

First, adolescent dating violence is put into context by looking at how adolescent dating and dating violence are defined and measured, the prevalence of violence among adolescent dating relationships, what factors influence dating violence for teens, and what types of programs might be effective means of prevention or intervention.

Then we examine peer group influences on adolescent dating relationships. Peer groups are central to adolescent dating relationships because it is within these groups that teens meet potential dating partners and learn dating norms.

Our third article discusses how teens typically get help for dating violence, as well as how teens help their peers. Importantly, this article also explores what adult helpers should know to make sure teens’ help-seeking and help-giving is truly helpful.

Finally, it is important to learn about teens’ own perceptions of dating violence. Our final article uses information from focus groups to highlight the perspectives of teens. It shows, in teens’ own words, their perceptions of dating violence, help seeking, and the role of schools. Additionally, it provides a number of excellent implications for adults who work with youth.

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