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

Abstract

Session presented on Saturday, July 26, 2014: 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 Cafe 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.