Adolescent Dating Violence: A Multi-Systemic Approach of Enhancing Awareness in Educators, Parents, and Society

Until recently, mental health professionals have given little attention to the growing phenomenon of adolescent dating violence (ADV). Although society has given increased attention to the problem of domestic violence, it has been reluctant to acknowledge that adolescents are the fastest growing population at risk. The sad truth is that 1 in 8 high school students and 1 in 5 college students will become involved in violent relationships (Jersey Battered Woman's Service, 1995). It is also horrifying that ADV often leads to murder. In 1993, 600 teenage girls were murdered by their partners (Wertheimer, 1994). According to FBI reports, 20% of all female homicide victims are between the ages of 15 and 24 and 1 out of 3 female homicides is committed by the victim's husband or boyfriend (Levy, 1993). This article explores the subject of Adolescent Dating Violence and examines the elements which distinguish ADV from domestic violence, the three forms of ADV, the cycles of abuse involved in ADV, the reasons for the occurrence of ADV, useful intervention and prevention methods and different social policies which should be implemented to combat Adolescent Dating Violence.