Outcomes Associated with Adolescent Dating and Sexual Violence Victimization: A Systematic Review of School-Based Literature

Trauma Violence Abuse. 2024 Oct;25(4):2781-2796. doi: 10.1177/15248380241226618. Epub 2024 Jan 24.

Abstract

Dating and sexual violence (DSV) is a common occurrence among school aged youth and has been associated with numerous harmful long-term outcomes. The goal of this article is to better understand the range of outcomes associated with DSV during youth and adolescence. This systematic review consists of 28 school-based studies from 20 journals discussing outcomes of youth experiences of DSV. Results demonstrate significant associations between DSV victimization and mental health symptoms, substance use, sexual health, academic, and social outcomes. To better understand this issue, this article recommends that schools offer additional training for staff on recognizing DSV. Additionally, improved research is needed in this area including surveys that are inclusive of diverse student identities and include more comprehensive measures of DSV, and additional research on DSV explicitly focused on minoritized groups.

Keywords: dating and sexual violence; outcomes; youth.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior* / psychology
  • Crime Victims* / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intimate Partner Violence / psychology
  • Male
  • Schools*
  • Sex Offenses* / psychology
  • Students / psychology
  • Substance-Related Disorders / psychology