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Michele R. Decker, MPH, Division of Public Health Practice/Department of Society, Human Development & Health, Harvard University, 677 Huntington Ave., Kresge 705, Boston, MA 02115, 617-432-4694, mdecker@hsph.harvard.edu, Jay G. Silverman, PhD, Department of Society, Human Development & Health/Division of Public Health Practice, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave., Kresge 705A, Boston, MA 02115, Jeanne E. Hathaway, MD, MPH, Division of Pubic Health Practice, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave., Kresge 705, Boston, MA 02115, Emily F. Rothman, SM, Department of Society, Human Development & Health/Division of Public Health Practice, Harvard University, 677 Huntington Ave., Kresge 705, Boston, MA 02115, Anita Raj, PhD, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany St, T2W, Boston, MA 02118, and Ruth Paris, MSW, PhD, School of Social Work, Boston University, 264 Bay State Road, Boston, MA 02215.
Previous research indicates high prevalence of dating victimization among adolescent girls with one in five high school girls reporting dating violence victimization ever and one in ten reporting such victimization during the past year. Although significant associations exist between dating violence victimization and sexual risk and pregnancy among female adolescents, very little is known regarding the role of male perpetrators of dating violence in sexual risk and pregnancy involvement. The purpose of the study is to provide qualitative data to better understand the relationships and mechanisms regarding dating violence, sexual risk, and pregnancy involvement among adolescent boys. Focus groups will be conducted with 40-50 adolescent boys ages 14-18 years involved in psycho-educational groups for perpetration of dating violence. In a guided discussion, participants will share their perceptions of social norms regarding dating, dating violence, and sexual behavior, including decision-making regarding sex, contraception, and STD prevention within the context of abusive relationships. Results will be discussed and are expected to (1) contribute to understanding of the relationship of dating violence to adolescent sexual health and pregnancy involvement among males, and (2) help inform pregnancy prevention programs, clinicians, and health educators on the role of dating violence in sexual risk and pregnancy involvement, including describing how to address dating violence within the context of these programs.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Domestic Violence, Sexual Risk Behavior
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.