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Dating violence is a serious issue on many college campuses throughout the country.
Unfortunately, substance misuse can make a troubled relationship even more volatile.
A study that surveyed 72 female college students, titled “Daily and situational reports of substance use and dating violence among college students: A 10-week prospective study,” took a closer look at this issue. In addition to physical violence, the study included “psychological aggression and sexual coercion.”
SEE MORE: Link to the study
According to the research:
Significant day-to-day associations were found between substance use and dating violence for women’s reports of their own behavior, and that of their male partners...Women were approximately 2.0 times more likely to perpetrate dating violence when using drugs, and men were approximately 1.4 times more likely when they used drugs.
The report goes on to suggest that sexual assault and dating violence programs on college campuses also focus on reducing substance use.
Different Kinds of Dating Violence
It’s important to note that dating violence can take on different forms. Here are four types (according to the CDC):
Physical – when a person hits, kicks, shoves his or her partner
Psychological/emotional – can include name calling, bullying, and isolation
Sexual – forcing a partner to engage in a sex act when they don’t want to; threatening to spread rumors if a partner doesn’t want to have sex
Stalking – constant, unwanted harassment
Dating violence also occurs online or by phone, and includes someone repeatedly texting a partner, or even posting a partner’s nude photos online.
Is Someone You Know in an Abusive Relationship?
Ask them to get professional help.
National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: 1-866-331-9474 (you can also chat via the loveisrespect.org website, or text “love is” to 22522 to connect with a peer advocate 24/7)
If someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.