Cyber and Offline Dating Abuse in a Portuguese Sample: Prevalence and Context of Abuse

Abstract

The increasing use of information and communication technologies (ICT) and networking has promoted the occurrence of different forms of victimization, specifically in terms of interpersonal interaction (e.g., cyberbullying or online risk-taking behaviour), which also includes cyber dating abuse (CDA). Some studies report that CDA is an extension of offline dating abuse (ODA). Because Portuguese studies in this area are scarce, this study aims to bridge this knowledge gap, seeking to investigate the extent and the context of CDA occurrence, and the relationship between CDA and all forms of ODA, i.e., physical, verbal–emotional and control. A convenience sample of 173 Portuguese adolescents and young adults was studied. This sample is mostly female (86.7%), has a mean (M) age of 25.36 years old and a standard deviation (SD) of 6.88 years of age. The results show that CDA and ODA among the Portuguese are very prevalent and related. Control (31.8 vs. 20.8%) and verbal–emotional ODA (26.7 vs. 20.2%) as well as control CDA (38.2 vs. 43.4%) were the most prevalent forms of abuse, either in terms of victimization or in terms of perpetration. The results also showed that CDA usually appears in a context of jealousy, also explaining control CDA and CDA direct aggression. A significant relationship between control CDA and CDA direct aggression and physical, verbal–emotional and control ODA was found. Experiencing control and verbal–emotional ODA are the main risk factors of control CDA victimization. This study allows to lay the groundwork for further research on dating victimization and perpetration through ICT, and has important practical implications at the level of Portuguese prevention strategies and intervention policies, thus emphasizing the role of the official authorities and the law itself.

The role of patriarchal structure and gender stereotypes in cyber dating abuse: A qualitative examination of male perpetrators experiences

“…Individuals who find themselves in unhealthy relationships are also more likely to experience dating violence, which includes abusive behaviors such as physical and sexual violence, stalking, and psychological abuse in real life and in virtual settings (Mendoza & Mulford, 2018). Behavior known as cyber dating abuse (CDA) takes place via information and communications technology and includes psychological aggression, physical and verbal‐emotional abuse, and exercise of control (Borrajo, Gámez‐Guadix, & Calvete, 2015; Borrajo, Gámez‐Guadix, Pereda, 2015; Caridade & Braga, 2020; Caridade et al., 2020). CDA may also result in victims' emotional distress, low self‐esteem (Hancock et al., 2017) and higher levels of depression, anxiety, and antisocial behaviors (Brown et al., 2020; Hinduja & Patchin, 2011; Reed et al., 2017; Wolford‐Clevenger et al., 2016).…”

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Evaluating Female Experiences of Electronic Dating Violence in Jordan: Motivations, Consequences, and Coping Strategies

“…These results are consistent with findings in different cultures; however, Zweig et al (2013b) found that EDV overlapped with other types of violence and abuse, such as psychological, physical, and sexual violence. Reed et al (2017) discovered that EDV is linked to offline forms of dating violence, and Caridade et al (2020) identified that EDV and offline dating abuse (ODA) among adolescents and young adults are quite prevalent and correlated. Significant relationships between control, direct aggression EDV, and physical, verbal, and emotional ODA were established.…”