Dating Violence & Cultural Differences

Global studies acknowledge seriousness of dating violence.

Thirty-two nations recently participated in research that acknowledges a growing risk in dating-couple violence across cultures. Singapore recently initiated a Dating Violence Awareness Week. Thailand studies indicate an attitude of acceptance toward dating violence. Youths in Israel acknowledge tolerance of dating violence. The international scope of research may be a barometer of growing concern about dating violence across cultures.

What It Is

Understand that dating violence is a term that acknowledges partner abuse outside marriage or cohabitation. Such violence includes sexual, psychological and psychical abuse. The Canadian Department of Justice acknowledges dating violence as "abuse or mistreatment" that may take place as an isolated incidence or as a pattern of behavior. This definition is common to studies of dating violence.

Prevalence

Note that the acknowledgment of dating violence is a relatively recent phenomenon. Studies about dating violence, in the United States for example, are confined to the last 30 years. Occurrences of dating violence often go unreported, which prohibits accurate figures for prevalence. Statistics in the United States indicate that females are more prone to be victims of dating violence, and the highest incidence of dating violence occurs in females between 16 to 19 years old.

Why the Concern

Consider that an international study comprised of the efforts of 32 nations around the world states that "dating couples are even more likely to be violent than married couples." Dating violence is seen as a precursor to adult-life patterns that include violence after marriage in the forms of verbal, emotional, psychological, sexual and physical abuse that may be a significant contributor to homicides in domestic situations.

Singapore, Thailand, Israel

Observe that Singapore initiated Dating Violence Awareness Week in 2009 to edify the public about dating violence. The United Nations acknowledges dating violence as violence against women in Asia and the Pacific regions. Studies in Thailand reveal a permissive attitude toward dating violence. Jewish and Arab youths in Israel are also reported to acknowledge dating violence. International studies and efforts in these and other national and cultural domains are underway to make the public aware of dating violence and to encourage programs to address preventive measures.

References

• Canada Department of Justice: Family Violence Initiative
• Murray A. Straus Family Research Laboratory, University of New Hampshire: International Dating Violence Study