Although there has been extensive research on teen dating
violence, there continues to be more questions than answers. Researchers have battled for and against the
risk factors that prelude teen dating violence.
There is a debate on whether income, family structure, and maternal
education and age have a statistically significant impact on victimization or perpetrators. Also, school factors, drug and alcohol use,
and mental problems were found not to have a large impact alone, but when
combined with other risk behavior factors, adolescents were more likely to be
victims of dating violence. Furthermore,
research on interpersonal violence among lesbians, gay, bisexual, and
transgender (LGBT) teens is minimal (Capaldi et al., 2012; Eaton et al., 2008)
and researchers debate if teens from the LGBT community are at a greater risk
for dating violence.
Some individuals perceive adolescences from the LGBT
community at highest risk due to them not wanting to shed light on their
intimate relationship due to fear of additional physical, emotional, and or
mental abuse (Herman, 2009). On the
other hand, it has been postulated that dating violence among teens from the
LGBT community is similar to dating violence among heterosexual teens. Nevertheless, the most underserved
communities in the United States are the young and elderly, females, and minorities
(include race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation), therefore, adolescent teens
from the LGBT community may experience dating violence at a higher rate than
heterosexual teens (Hines & Douglas, 2011).
References
Capaldi,
D. M., Knoble, N. B., Shortt, J. W., & Kim, H. K. (2012). A systematic review of risk
factors
for intimate partner violence. Partner Abuse, 3(2), 231-280.
Eaton, L., Kaufman, M., Fuhrel, A., Cain, D.,
Cherry, C., Pope, H. & Kalichman, S., C.
(2008). Examining factors
co-existing with interpersonal violence in lesbian relationships.
Journal of Family Violence, 23, 697-705. doi:10.1007/s10896-008-9194-3
Hines, D., A. & Douglas, E., M. (2011). The reported availability of U.S. domestic
violence services to victims who vary by age, sexual orientation, and
gender. Partner Abuse, 2 (1), 3-30.
doi:10.1891/1946-6560.2.1.3
Herrman, J. W.
(2009). Theres a fine line...adolescent dating violence and prevention.
Pediatric Nursing,
35(3), 164-70.
Dating violence is such a huge issue with all communities; however, it remains one of the most "secretive" issues. Having two young daughters, I worry about this issue and hope that I can instill in them the comfort to discuss matters such as this and the independence to not tolerate it.
ReplyDeleteHello Julie,
ReplyDeleteDating violence is a serious concern for our youth, and like you, I fear for their safety. I want adolescents and parents alike to learn about dating violence and begin the conversation before the abuse begins.
I agree teen dating violence is an important topic. Since the LGBT teen population is under-studied I agree more research needs to be conducted on this population. I would presume this population would have increased risks due to the additional stressors the LGBT teen population faces. Additionally, I would think the risks of a teen "outing" their partner if they share the dating violence with anyone to be increased.
ReplyDeleteChristine, thanks for your posting. During my research it stated that teens from the LGBT community fear more violence if they become "outted". So we need to ensure that teens from the LGBT community are included in dating violence education and we must ensure that they know there is help.
DeleteMonique
Dating violence exists no matter the age, sex, race/ethnicity; just because we think it doesn't happen, doesn't mean it doesn't happen. I worry because children are influenced by those around them. Dating violence goes along with bullying and this can lead to coercive behavior in couples. We need to educate young people to actively talk about what is going on and let them know no matter what there is help.
ReplyDeleteHello Luis, I agree that teens are influenced by the people they keep as friends. So, we need to ensure that teens have high self-esteem and power. If they have both high self-esteem and power, they will be able to recognize when someone does not have their best interest at heart.
DeleteMonique
Hi Monique. I found this very interesting. I never really thought about the LGBTQ community possibly being at higher risk for dating violence but I can certainly see where this could be the case. I agree with Luis that children are influenced by their surroundings. "You are the product of your environment" comes to mind and I can certainly see this as a possibility. I worry about my niece as she is a very reserved young lady and I always encourage my sister to talk to her as much as possible. Speaking from a culture that is full of "machismo" attitudes, I feel like it starts at home. Parents can be positive role models for their kids so as to prevent this behavior. Great post!
ReplyDeleteZeke
Hello Zeke, I agree that "it starts at home" and women should talk to their daughters as soon as they can understand what it means to be a woman. Little girls need to be taught that they are valuable and loved. Once little girls know this, I think this will assist with decreasing teen dating violence.
DeleteMonique
Great Topic Monique! I am aware that interpersonal violence affects my LGBTQ community in a significant manner. Speaking from a participant perspective, I can say that many couples experience violence as adults and even those who are "out" and comfortable in their identity feel a need to hide and keep secrets about the violence. Unfortunately, in my experience as a counselor most couples don't see the violence as a big issue, and are not well informed at all. This leads me to believe LGBTQ teen violence would be experienced similarly or even in a more closeted manner; and the worst of my fears, would be that it is seen as nothing to worry about it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your advocacy!
De'An Roper, LCSW