Am I Responsible to Help Peers in Abusive Dating Relationships?: Learning from a Qualitative Study

Young people’s attitude towards dating violence and perceived barriers in responding peers in abusive dating relationships may contribute to their willingness to help peers in abusive relationships. 

Purpose:

This study explored the university students’ intention to prevent dating violence and identify the barriers in responding peers in abusive dating relationships by using qualitative approach.   

Methods:

Twenty university students were recruited at Dating Café Ambassadors Programme to educate peers in helping to prevent dating violence on university campus. Participants were followed for 3 workshops of participant observations and a focus group interview.  An interview guide was used for data collection.  Interview questions included what is the definition of dating violence, why do you / don’t you help peers in abusive relationships, do you perceive it is your responsibility to help, and describe your expectation of a healthy relationship.  Data were analysed using content analysis. 

Results:

Results showed that the barriers in responding peers in abusive dating violence included low awareness of dating violence on campus; and lack of skills and resources to help.

Conclusion:

The lessons learned from the qualitative study findings will help in develop and refine dating violence prevention and intervention for university students.