Dating Violence, Young African American Males, and Risk and Protective Factors: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

This report examines the extant literature on dating violence, young African American males, and risk and protective factors. Studies have shown that correlates exist between community factors, parental discipline, and gender role beliefs in young African American males that place them at risk for dating perpetration. Studies have also shown that protective factors such as adequate adult supervision, social support, and problem-solving skills exist and can mitigate risk. Implications for research and programming are also discussed.

Keywords::

• African American males
• risk and protective factors
• victimization and perpetration
• dating violence