In our last post we began looking at the issue of dating violence, noting that the problem of partner abuse is not confined only to a domestic problem, but extends to college campuses as well. Increasingly, university administrators and student bodies are confronting the issue.

The issue of dating violence is not as taboo to address as it used to be. This is due, in part, to increasing media coverage of high profile domestic violence cases, such as the murder of University of Virginia lacrosse player Yeardley Love and the assault of pop-singer Rhianna by former boyfriend Chris Brown.

The proliferation of internet technology and social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook and blogs have helped to bring more frequent attention and greater awareness to the issues of dating and domestic abuse on campuses as universities have had to face increasing accountability for the well-being of students.

Two particular difficulties in combating dating violence are the problem of underreporting and the difficulty in keeping accurate records of dating violence.

A factsheet published by the National Center for Victims of Crime says that 50% of victims of dating violence report the crime to somebody, 80% of these reporting to a friend, and 20% to law enforcement. Statistics indicate that individuals who are victimized by a partner are less likely to report than when victimized by a stranger. While only 44% of victims raped by a steady boyfriend or spouse will report the assault, 77% will report being raped by a stranger.

Further, because dating violence often happens outside the presence of witnesses, it is also often difficult for officers to get an accurate picture of the incident. In extreme cases it may be easier for law enforcement to discern who is in the wrong, but in less serious incidents there may be a complicated or mutual situation leading to the occurrence of violence.

As college campuses and students groups increasingly address the issue of dating violence among student bodies, it is hoped that a better understanding of the dynamics of violence will emerge, and that men, women and college communities will become increasingly aware of how to prevent the problem.

Source: www.diverseeducation.com, "Helping College Students Stay Safe While Dating," Maria Eugenia Miranda, 3 Mar 2011.