Assessing domestic violence involvement among college students

Literature indicates that domestic violence is not uncommon among college students. However how it is dealt with by students is less documented. Purpose: To survey college students' involvement and response to domestic violence incidents. Methods: A survey conducted in 2002 by using self-developed questionnaire was completed by 540 conveniently selected students from five Ohio universities. Domestic violence involvements were assessed by four categories: victim, witness, responsible for harming others, and tried to stop the violence. Perceptions of domestic violence, intervention measures, and confidence in intervening were surveyed. Data were analyzed by using SPSS. Results: Of 473 usable surveys, 58% were exposed to domestic violence; 21% as victims, 48% as witnesses, 12% being responsible, and 41% tried to stop the violence. Logistic regression test indicates that females had a higher odds than males to be a victim (Odds=2.0; 95%CI=1.18-3.69), and Africa Americans were more likely than whites to be involved in a violence situations (Odds=2.09; 95%CI=1.10-3.80). Of those who witnessed a violence situation, 76.1% tried to stop it, most often by yelling. Older respondents and those who scored high in confidence in intervening were more likely to try to stop the violence. Reasons of not trying to stop the violence were also explored. Conclusions: Domestic violence is commonly experienced by college students. Whether taking action to stop the violence is influenced by one's perceptions. Increasing domestic violence awareness and promoting safe and effective intervention strategies may equip students to deal with the conflicts with confidence.