The relationship between childhood victimization and dating violence in Canada: an analysis of the General Social Survey Cycle 34, 2019

Abstract

Re-victimization in intimate partner violence situations may occur due to the cyclical nature of violence. Previously, the link between childhood maltreatment and intimate partner violence has been well-researched in the literature. However, there has not been as much research on the relationship between childhood abuse and dating violence, especially in adolescents. In the present study, we used data from the General Social Survey (GSS) cycle 34 - Canadians’ Safety (2019) to analyze the relationship between experiencing childhood abuse and becoming a victim of dating violence. The purpose of this project was to examine what factors appear to be associated with dating violence in adolescence and young adulthood. The current study sought to address two principal research questions. The first is: What negative childhood experiences may be contributing to dating violence? This can be divided into a typology of: a) emotional abuse, b) physical abuse, c) sexual abuse, and d) witnessing violence. The second is: Are there other factors that may contribute to dating violence? This includes gender differences, neighbourhood conditions, substance use, and mental health issues. To explore significant relationships among variables, we conducted cross-tabulations, independent samples t-tests, Pearson correlations, as well as multiple regression models. The findings and implications of this study are discussed.