Abstract:

Background:
National and international studies show that violence in intimate relationships is also present in dating relationships. In fact, a study carried out in Portugal reports that 1 in 4 young people say they have been the victim of some kind of abusive behaviour by their boyfriend or girlfriend, so this reality calls for educational intervention in the school context to prevent dating violence.

Objectives:
To characterise dating violence practices and behaviours and to identify whether sociodemographic variables influence dating violence victimisation practices and behaviours in higher education students.

Methodology:
Quantitative, descriptive-correlational and cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was used to characterise the sample in terms of dating violence behaviours and sociodemographics. The Scale of Victimisation Practices and Behaviours in the Dating Relationship (Dixe, Rodrigues, Freire et al., 2010) was also included. The sample consisted of 820 participants attending a higher education institution in the Centre of Portugal. Ethical and legal procedures were ensured.

Results:
The sample was mostly female (69.4%), with an average age of 20.48 years (SD=2.51). There was a predominance of single students (57.2%) from rural areas (55.6%). In terms of dating violence practices and behaviours, on average, the highest was stalking violence (Mean=11.88; SD=16.467), followed by sexual violence (Mean=7.64; SD=13.831), followed by psychological violence (Mean=7.54; SD=11.287). Physical violence has a lower value (Mean=2.52; SD=8.429). Being male influences physical and sexual violence, stalking violence and psychological violence. Being in a romantic relationship influences victimisation practices and behaviours in the dating relationship, in the psychological violence dimension. Age and geographical origin (rural or urban) do not influence victimisation practices and behaviours in dating relationships.

Conclusion:
Preventive efforts in the school context, in higher education, with regard to victimisation practices and behaviours in dating relationships, should include the implementation of programmes that make young adults aware of the impact that these practices have on both the aggressor and the victim, and that they will be felt throughout their lives.

Keywords:

Dating violence, young adults, higher education.