Dating Violence Among Latino Adolescents(DAVILA)

Latino adolescents are at risk for experiencing dating violence as well as other forms of victimization that have substantial negative effects. This study offers an analysis of their experiences and responses to dating violence while incorporating culturally-relevant components. Data will be collected via phone interviews with a targeted sample of approximately 1,500 Latino adolescents (between the ages of 12 and 18) and their caregiver living throughout the United States. The goals include (1) an examination of various forms of dating violence victimization including physical, sexual, and verbal victimization, (2) an analysis of the other forms of victimization that adolescent victims of dating violence experience, (3) a thorough analysis of the help-seeking efforts of Latino youth that addresses both formal and informal help-seeking, (4) effectiveness of services, and help-seeking barriers, (5) measurement of particular cultural factors that effect Latino youth who are victims of dating violence, (6) an assessment of current psychosocial outcomes associated with victimization, including psychological factors and delinquency behaviors, and (7) an evaluation of protective factors that may moderate the relationship between victimization and negative outcomes. The study will address significant gaps in the current literature especially concerning co-occurring victimization, help-seeking efforts, and the influence of cultural factors on experience, impact and responses to dating violence victimization. The findings are also pertinent to shaping practice and policy, specifically school-based interventions, criminal justice institutions, and victim advocacy.

ca/ncf