Analysis of the different roles of teen dating violence in peer victimization and aggression

Different studies show the relationship between peer violence and teen dating violence. However, more knowledge is needed about this relationship. The aim of this study was to explore possible differences in peer violence (perpetrated and suffered) in adolescents with different role in teen dating violence (aggressor, victim, aggressor-victim, and not involved). The initial sample was composed of 1078 adolescents, but for the purposes of this study, only those students who had a partner in the last year were considered, 672 students (51.6% girls) aged 12-18 years (M= 14.45, SD= 1.62). These adolescents completed the CADRI scale, the VE-I peer victimization scale, and the violent behavior scale by Little et al. (2003). The results indicated that peer violence victimization and perpetration were closely related to dating abuse (victimization and perpetration) in adolescents. Students with frequent aggressor-victim role in partner relationships showed more peer violence behaviors. Girls victims of teen dating violence were more victimized by their classmates. These results show a strong relationship between these two problems, which seriously affect the well-being of adolescents.