Prevalence of Teen Dating Violence in Romantic Relationships Among Teenagers: Results of a Representative Survey in Lower Saxony

Teen dating violence (TDV) appears to be a far-reaching issue in the Federal Republic of Germany as well as internationally with a reported high prevalence. Adolescents affected by TDV more frequently suffer from negative consequences, similar to those linked to violence in adult romantic relationships. Furthermore, it has been shown that individuals affected by TDV have a higher rate of partner violence in future relationships. In this study, the 12-month prevalence rates for various dimensions of TDV (emotional violence, threatening, relational violence, physical violence, as well as sexual violence) are presented. The data of the present study stem from a large representative student sample from the federal state of Lower Saxony. In all, 10,326 students from the ninth grade were surveyed. Of these, 4,351 indicated having been in a romantic relationship within the 12 months preceding the survey (at-risk sample). About 53% of respondents at risk were female. The mean age of the at-risk sample was 15 years (SD = .10). About 62% of the questioned girls as well as about 49% of the boys indicated at least one offensive experience within the previous 12 months. The rates determined vary considerably depending on the TDV dimension. Most frequently mentioned by students of both genders was the experience of emotional violence (girls: 56.9%, boys: 42.6 %), followed by relational violence (girls 17.9%, boys 14.4%), physical violence (girls 10.5%, boys: 8.2 %), threats (girls: 8.0%, boys: 5.4 %), and sexual violence (girls: 9%, boys: 3.5 %). Although the current study is cross-sectional, and no causality can be inferred, heightened rates of suicidality, depression, and substance use (especially for respondents who experienced physical and sexual violence) signify a psychological strain connected to the phenomenon. The high strain for individuals experiencing threats makes this dimension stand out among the other dimensions on psychological violence. Based on the present results, it seems viable to aim at preventing TDV with dimension-specific programs. Owing to the moderate development in approaches for TDV prevention, the adaptation and dissemination of English-language evidence-based prevention programs are highly relevant. In this context, reference can be made to American programs that have been validated in large randomized control studies. Generally, adolescence seems to be a suitable phase for prevention efforts as it is during this phase that the foundations for future relationship competence are laid.