Social Work Now (9) April 1998 : 31-36

This article addresses the question of whether teenagers who witness or experience family violence are at increased risk of either perpetrating or becoming victims of abuse in dating relationships. The article presents the findings from research based on a survey questionnaire about abuse in dating relationships and family violence completed by 377 volunteer senior high school students from the Auckland region aged between 16-18 years. The findings show that a substantial majority of teenagers have experienced some form of abuse within their family and dating relationships. Of particular note was evidence of the 'double whammy' issue, that is, the extent to which those who experienced abuse by parents also witnessed abuse between parents. Sibling violence is also discussed in some depth. The author discusses issues to consider when reviewing the results, such as defining 'physical punishment' versus 'physical abuse'; methodological factors; and the nature of the questions. The author further suggests the need for prevention programmes that are school and peer-grouped relating to violence education, and recommends that the teaching of relationship skills would be the next step in reducing the impact of violence in teen dating relationships.