Adolescent help-giving to friends experiencing relationship violence

Background. CDC states that approximately one in 10 adolescents are victims of physical relationship violence. Just as relationship violence poses serious challenges for victims, peers of victims are often thrust into a key support role for their friends. The present paper is the first in the literature to delve into the range of help-giving behaviors self-reported by adolescents in response to an adolescent peer disclosing relationship violence victimization. Methods. A paper/pencil or ACASI survey was administered to students in four metropolitan NYC high schools (n= 1,312). Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were employed to determine whether gender, Latino ethnicity, and nativity were associated with different types of help-giving behaviors. Results. Nearly a quarter (22%) of the students in the study reported that they had a friend currently in a violent relationship (n=272). The multivariate analysis shows that males are significantly less likely than females to give all forms of help to their friends. Latinos are nearly 2 times more likely than non-Latinos (OR 95% CI=1.91 (1.06, 3.46) to suggest options to their friends in violent relationships. Whereas, adolescents born outside the United States are significantly less likely to talk to their friends and suggest options to their friends. Conclusions. Adolescents are often most likely to be the first and last resources of help in supporting adolescent relationship violence victims – and it is for this particular reason that researchers and policymakers alike should further our understanding of and response to this valuable role played by adolescent peers of victims.