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Gender differences in adolescent romantic violence: Why are girls more likely to be victims?
Adolescent romantic violence refers to physical, sexual, or psychological/emotional abuse that occurs within teenage dating relationships. Although intimate partner violence (IPV) among adults is widely studied, violence in adolescent relationships remains poorly understood. Most research has focused on white adolescents, and as of 2013, there had been no research focusing on adolescent gay relationships.
According to research, violence in adolescence can occur during a critical period of social and psychological development and have long-term adverse effects on the victim's mental and physical health. From the perspective of gender studies, why girls are more likely to become victims has become an important issue worthy of discussion.
Data show that about 32% of male teenagers will inflict some form of violence on their partners during dating, while the rate of violence among female teenagers is half that of males.
Gender differences
In heterosexual relationships during adolescence, studies indicate that both men and women report experiencing violence at similar rates, or that girls are more likely to report perpetrating violence themselves. Researchers believe that during the special development stage of adolescence, changes in gender characteristics may also lead to this phenomenon.
Many studies have pointed out that girls report experiencing serious violent incidents, such as threats to use weapons, being beaten, suffocated, burned or raped, at a significantly higher rate than boys. Their report also showed that far more girls than boys needed psychological or medical help due to abuse.
Girls are more likely to view violence in relationships as a serious problem, while boys mostly report experiencing less severe harm, such as being pinched, hit or kicked.
Discussion and Debate
Society's understanding of adolescent love violence remains controversial. Many people believe that aggressive behavior will continue throughout an individual's life, but this belief can lead to risks in future relationships and can cause damage to the abuser's life.
Research has shown that after girls have experienced violent violence, they will become more sensitive to the perception of violence. Only when there is a physical conflict (such as being beaten) will they realize that it is violence, and then they will Choose to end the relationship.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, young people ages 12 to 19 experience disproportionately high rates of dating violence, especially among girls. Nearly one-third of teen girls experience emotional abuse during a date. or physical abuse.
Causes of violence: nature and environmental factors
Extensive research has revealed the causes behind adolescent dating violence. These studies show that negative experiences in childhood, such as the death of a parent or divorce, are strongly associated with violence in future romantic relationships. A combination of environmental factors, including mental health neglect, leads young people to engage in violent behavior.
Some scholars pointed out that adolescent boys and girls are becoming more and more equal on the physical level, which gives girls more initiative when committing violence, which is different from the way adult women face physically mature men. Condition.
Data and legislation
In the United States, the victims of adolescent romantic violence are primarily female. Research shows that almost one-third of teenage girls have been physically or emotionally abused while dating, yet many parents remain skeptical or even in denial about the issue. This makes it urgent for the education class to intervene more actively.
The U.S. Congress enacted a law in 2011 to improve society’s understanding of and prevention of adolescent love violence. State legislatures have also begun to pay attention to this issue and promote the development of corresponding prevention programs in schools.
Understand and respond
Faced with this problem, society needs more opportunities for education and dialogue. Many NGOs and professional organizations provide help and guidance across the country, working to raise awareness about relationship violence among young people and teach them how to have healthy relationships. Using modern information platforms such as social media as emergency response channels can also help victims seek support faster.
Finally, ask yourself: Are we paying enough attention to adolescent romantic violence and the gender differences behind it?
