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Kansas State Researcher Examines Factors Involved in Violence Against Women |
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From Kansas State University: A startling number of high school and college students - both female and male -- are being battered, sexually abused or stalked by their dates, according to a Kansas State University professor. "Approximately 30 percent of college students have been in relationships that involve physical aggression. Even more have been in relationships that are emotionally abusive," said Sandra Stith, director of the marriage and family therapy program at K-State and a nationally recognized expert in domestic violence. Likewise, approximately 25 percent of high school students who are in relationships are subjected to abuse, according to Stith. Research points to many complex triggers, said Stith, who also is a pioneer in couples treatment for domestic violence. Research clearly indicates that both male and female students are victims of physical and emotional abuse. "Male violence is more likely to cause serious injury and death." However, just like female victims, male victims often accept blame for the abuse, saying things like "it's my fault because I am not listening to her," Stith said. She said abuse in young relationships takes other forms: attempting to control the partner's behavior, extreme jealousy, constant belittling and trying to frighten a partner with activities such as driving recklessly. "We used to think that violence and substance abuse were two separate phenomena. For students who believe a friend may be abused, Stith urges them to speak up.
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