Injured Teens May Be Victims of Dating Violence

Background: Intimate partner violence is a significant problem, leading to a large number of emergency department (ED) visits, especially for women ages 16 through 24 years. Data show that about 1 in 6 girls who are sexually active have been a victim of teen dating violence. The rates may be higher in girls presenting to the ED. Objective: To examine the epidemiology and characteristics of teen dating violence in adolescents who present to pediatric EDs. Methods: Subjects were recruited prospectively in a pediatric ED over 4 months in 2009. Demographic and personal data were collected. Adolescents who reported an experience with teen dating violence were given information about resources for victims, and they were followed up 1 month later to see if they had made use of any resources. Results: Over the course of the study, 327 eligible patients completed the survey. Of these, 72% were girls and 28% were boys. About two-thirds were African American, and about one-fourth were aged Girl more...