A First Look at Gender Inequality as a Societal Risk Factor for Dating Violence

Abstract

Introduction One of ten U.S. high school students is a victim of adolescent dating violence (ADV). Understanding ADV risk factors guides prevention efforts; however, research examining community- and societal-level risk factors is scant. Societal gender inequality is a known risk factor for violence against women, but has yet to be explored in relation to ADV. This study aims to determine whether the Gender Inequality Index (GII) correlates with levels of physical and sexual ADV victimization across U.S. states. Methods State-representative prevalence rates of self-reported physical and sexual ADV victimization were obtained from the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. The state GII includes five indicators: (1) maternal mortality; (2) adolescent birth rate; (3) government representation; (4) educational attainment; and (5) labor force participation. Pearson correlation coefficients determined the association between physical and sexual ADV victimization, the GII, and GII indicators. Analyses were conducted in August 2014. Results Among U.S. states, the prevalence of physical ADV victimization in 2013 ranged from 7.0% to 14.8%, and the prevalence of sexual ADV victimization ranged from 7.8% to 13.8%. The GII was significantly associated with the state prevalence of female physical ADV victimization (r=0.48, p<0.01) but not female sexual ADV victimization. Neither physical nor sexual male ADV victimization was associated with the GII. Conclusions This exploratory study suggests that gender inequality may be a societal-level risk factor for female physical ADV victimization. As ADV prevention strategies are implemented at the state level, further research examining the effect of gender inequality on ADV is needed.

Gender inequality and violence against women in Spain, 2006-2014: towards a civilized society

“…There have been several studies done, pertaining to gender inequality/development and the incidence of violence against women. 12 , 13 , 23 – 26 However, to our knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to find that in AC of less gender equality in Spain, there was a decline in IPV deaths in the 2006–2014 eight-year period and the IPV mortality rate of women stayed about the same in AC with higher gender equality.…”

Effects of bystander programs on the prevention of sexual assault among adolescents and college students: A systematic review

“…As outlined by Burn (2009) Research has indicated that, relative to males, females are overwhelmingly the victims of sexual assault (Foshee, 1996;Gressard, Swahn, & Tharp, 2015;Harned, 2001;Howard, Wang, & Yan, 2007). Thus, the earliest bystander programs tended to apply a gendered perspective to the prevention of sexual assault among adolescents and college students.…”

Psychological and relational correlates of intimate partner violence profiles among pregnant adolescent couples

“…IPV perpetration and victimization have been associated with women’s and men’s romantic attachment anxiety, romantic attachment avoidance, and a mismatch of avoidant and anxious attachment styles for partners (Doumas, Pearson, Elgin, & McKinley, 2008; Lawson & Brossart, 2013; Macke, 2011; Orcutt, Garcia, & Pickett, 2005). Inequality in relationships—and between sexes—has been linked to IPV (Davies, Ford-Gilboe, & Hammerton, 2009; Gomez, Speizer, & Moracco, 2011; Gressard, Swahn, & Tharp, 2015; Lawoko, Dalal, Jiayou, & Jansson, 2007). Perceived partner infidelity has been consistently associated with physical IPV and IPV severity (Arnocky, Sunderani, Gomes, & Vaillancourt, 2015; Nemeth, Bonomi, Lee, & Ludwin, 2012).…”