Dating violence and associated factors among male and female adolescents in Spain

High Prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence Against Women in Young Adulthood: Is Prevention Failing?

In the last decades, prevention measures have been taken globally to reduce the high prevalence of intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) in our societies. As a consequence, a gradual reduction in the prevalence of IPVAW in the younger generations should be expected. However, international prevalence data suggest that this is not the case. In the present study, we aim to compare IPVAW-prevalence rates across age groups in the adult population in Spain. We used data from the Spanish 2019 national survey based on 9,568 interviews with women, reporting IPVAW in three time periods: lifetime, the last 4 years, and the last year. To ensure accurate comparisons of IPVAW-prevalence rates across age groups, we first examined the psychometric properties, and measurement invariance of the set of questions addressing the different types of IPVAW (i.e., physical, sexual, psychological) in this survey. Results supported a three-factor latent structure addressing psychological, physical, and sexual IPVAW, showing high-internal consistency and validity evidence. For lifetime prevalence, the youngest age groups (18-24 years) were those with the highest latent mean in psychological and physical IPVAW, with those aged 25 to 34 years having the highest score in sexual IPVAW. Women aged 18 to 24 years showed the highest factor scores in the three types of violence during the last 4 years and during the last year. A number of potential explanatory hypotheses are proposed to better understand the high prevalence of IPVAW among younger generations. The reason why IPVAW prevalence remains alarmingly high among young women, despite the preventive measures taken in recent years, is a research question that remains open. Prevention efforts should target younger generations if IPVAW is to be eradicated in the long term. However, this goal will only be achieved if those prevention efforts prove to be effective.

[Perception of dating violence among adolescents. Transversal study.]

OBJECTIVE

The violence produced in the context of dating is known as dating violence. Currently, it is a widespread problem in adolescence and there is a great lack of knowledge about the beliefs/attitudes that help perpetuate this phenomenon. This study aimed to assess how adolescents perceive dating violence. Additionally, to estimate the observed frequency of exposure of adolescents to different dating violence items, assessing the differences according to sex and educational level.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out in 2022 among high school students coming from Spain (Galician Region) The data was collected by means of an anonymous online questionnaire. A descriptive analysis of the data obtained was conducted. The observed frequency of adolescents' exposure to different items of dating violence and identification of violence was estimated. Fisher's exact test was used to compare the proportions according to sex and educational level.

RESULTS

410 students were included. 99% of the women perceived that it is not normal to control their partner's clothing compared to 88% of the men; in relation to the control of friendships these percentages were 87.6% and 73.1% and with respect to criticism of the partner 54.7% vs 67.9%, respectively in women and men. 46.8% of the students admitted knowing of cases in which they sent several messages a day to find out what their partner was doing. 21.7% referred to be aware of cases who felt fear of the partner.

CONCLUSIONS

The perception of dating violence by women is higher. The largest differences between men and women are in the items of the control domain.

Healthy and Equitable Interpersonal Relationships, Health Inequalities and Socio-Educational Interventions: A Conceptual Framework for Action

BACKGROUND

Interpersonal relationships undoubtedly have a bidirectional connection with the health of individuals and communities. Relational models based on equity contribute to well-being, while asymmetrical relationships based on hierarchies and differences of power negatively impact mental, physical, and social health.

METHODS

A conceptual framework for understanding the determinants of interpersonal relational models was developed.

RESULTS

Structural determinants were identified as the combined action of systems of oppression, the socio-historical context that normalizes violence, and social stratification and segregation, consequences which included inequitable access to power, resources, and opportunities. Intermediate determinants include individual, psychosocial, behavioral, and community aspects. Structural and intermediate determinants impact health and health inequalities through multiple relational patterns that are simultaneously established and sustained by individuals and communities. The health impact of inequitable relational patterns includes: Reduced self-esteem; anxiety, stress, and depression; acceptance of violence; physical and sexual harm; suicide; and murder.

CONCLUSIONS

This conceptual framework allows for the modification of relational models by influencing structural and intermediate determinants. Six areas of intervention have been identified: educative policies, school governance, physical and symbolic space, school curriculum, school-community relations, and socio-educative interventions to promote healthy and equitable relationships. Healthy and equitable relationships are associated with improved subjective well-being, health status and protection from violence. Socio-educational interventions that consider the elements of this conceptual framework may be effective in promoting healthy and equitable relational models.

Prevalence and Predictors of Perpetration of Cyberviolence Against a Dating Partner: A Cross-Cultural Study with Moroccan and Spanish Youth

The rise in the levels of cyberviolence in adolescent couples has become a social, educational, and public health problem of enormous magnitude. This study analyzed the nature and dimensions of cyberviolence among adolescents and its association with other forms of offline violence by country of origin (Morocco or Spain) and gender. The objective of the study was to identify the predictors of the perpetration of cyberviolence against a dating partner. The predictor variables were five types of dating victimization (cyber, physical, sexual, emotional with a social impact, and emotional with an individual impact), history of violence, and parental monitoring knowledge. The sample consisted of Spanish (n = 802) and Moroccan students (n = 241) who had dated and attended secondary schools in southeastern Spain. Over half of the participants had perpetrated cyberviolence against their partners; the prevalence was higher among girls and Moroccan youth. Boys reported more physical victimization than girls. For all groups, the strongest predictor of cyberviolence perpetration was cyberviolence victimization. The influence of other forms of victimization, history of offline violence, and parental monitoring differed by the youth's country of origin and gender. The study reinforces the need for intersectional and cross-cultural analyses of online behaviors.