Systematic review and meta-analysis of the violence in dating relationships in adolescents and young adults

Objective: The objective was to analyze the different types of violence perpetrated and experienced as a function of gender in adolescents and young adults. Method: Systematic review with meta-analysis of observational studies. The search was carried out in the following databases: Web of Science, PubMed, SCOPUS, PsycInfo, and Gender Studies, in addition to a reverse search of relevant references. Publications published from 1st January 2015 to 23rd January 2021 were indexed. The search for articles was carried out by two independent investigators. A risk of bias analysis was then performed by two investigators using the STROBE reporting guidelines for observational studies. Results: Twelve studies were indexed involving a total of 21,924 men and 25,180 women. There were significant differences between men and women for the types of violence perpetrated and experienced. Due to the high degree of heterogeneity between studies, a sensitivity analysis was performed. Conclusions: Violence in dating relationships is bidirectional. Men and women perpetrate and experience different types of violence on the basis of their sex.