Young People's Dating Violence Experiences

• In Event: 40820 - Section on Sociology of Sex and Gender Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 7: Sexual Violence

Abstract

Research indicates that the prevalence of dating violence among university students is high. According to a study conducted with a total of 8,666 students from 31 different universities across 16 countries (5 in Asia and the Middle East, 2 in Australia-New Zealand, 6 in Europe, 2 in Latin America, and 16 in North America), the average rate of those who experienced physical assault within the past year is 29%. The percentage of individuals subjected to physical assault in a dating relationship ranges between 17% and 45%, while the proportion of those who sustained physical injuries varies from 2% to 20% (Straus, 2004:790). Research on "dating violence" in Turkey (Polat et al., 2006; Aslan et al., 2008; Hatipoğlu, 2010; Yumuşak, 2013; İftar, 2016; Alan Dikmen et al., 2018) has revealed that dating violence is prevalent among young people. Most studies in this field rely on quantitative research methods, particularly using "Dating Violence Attitude Scales." However, there is a lack of research employing qualitative methods to examine dating violence in Turkey. The primary aim of this presentation is to explore university students’ experiences of violence in romantic relationships. The study is based on data obtained through in-depth, face-to-face interviews conducted with a total of 30 university students in Turkey, Anadolu University, comprising 15 young women and 15 young men. The experiences of violence among young male and female university students are symmetrical. In other words, both young men and women in university have perpetrated violence against each other in romantic relationships. For women, violence serves as a means of self-defense and expression. Young people, especially women, have been able to end their relationships comfortably and freely after experiencing violence. The consequences of violence also differ for men and women.

Author

• Fatime Gunes, Anadolu University