Gender symmetry in dating violence?

Abstract

The present study examined the extent to which dating violence is accurately characterized by gender symmetry. Self-report data were collected from 450 undergraduate men and women at a large Southeastern university. Perpetration and victimization rates for psychological, physical, and sexual aggression are reported. Results suggest that dating violence is generally symmetrical with respect to gender at the level of a topographical analysis, with both men and women reporting violent experiences as commonplace within their heterosexual dating histories. However, at the level of an experiential analysis, gender asymmetries become apparent. These results are consistent with behavior analytic and feminist approaches.