A new study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has drawn what to most would be a common sense conclusion: both bullies and their victims are more likely to have experienced domestic violence.

The study, which examined data from middle and high school students across the state of Massachusetts, also confirmed the common associations between bullying and increased probability of suicide, poor academic performance, and substance abuse.

According to sources, the CDC found that bullies and victims reported witnessing or experiencing physical violence by a family member at significantly higher levels than those who said they had not been bullied. The report also showed a connection between bullying and events outside school.

The study, while it does confirm connections commonly seen among bullies, suggests that battling the problem of bullying requires the cooperation of a number of parties. According to the CDC, "A comprehensive approach that encompasses school officials, students and their families is needed to prevent bullying among middle school and high school students."

Sources said that ever since the suicides of a 15-year-old South Hadley girl and an 11-year-old Springfield in September of 2009, Massachusetts has increased its focus on bullying. Last May, the legislature passed anti-bullying legislation prohibiting bullying in schools and on the internet. That law mandates that schools develop bullying prevention and intervention plans to deal with the problem.

The study was reportedly the first state-specific examination of the risk factors of bullying.

Source: Huffington Post, "Bullying Often Results From Domestic Violence, Says CDC," Reuters, 25 April 2011.