Relationship Violence: Risk Factors for Adolescents

Males and females can be both victims and perpetrators of relationship violence. Research shows that females are usually the victims of relationship violence. Using qualitative content analysis, I examine some of the different risk factors that may lead adolescents to become perpetrators or victims of relationship violence. Some risk factors may include self-esteem, rigid sex-role ideas, parents in violent relationships, and friends who are in violent relationships. These risk factors do not apply to every case of adolescent relationship violence. Relationship violence among adolescents is important to study so we can find out when and why acceptance of relationship violence starts. This then can help us find ways to prevent these patterns from reoccurring later on in life.