Violence is a problem at universities, concludes study

VERONICA CARR STAFF

According to a research paper by Douglas Brownridge from the U of M faculty of human ecology, dating violence — and more generally family violence — is a major social problem: “one so common that hearing about cases of family violence in the news probably doesn’t even phase many of us anymore,” according to Brownridge.

The research paper is entitled “Intergenerational Transmission and Dating Violence Victimization: Evidence from a Sample of Female University Students of Manitoba.”

A sample of 120 female students attending Manitoba’s three universities was examined to observe the diff erent effects of family relationships on women’s experiences of physical assault and sexual coercion within their dating relationships. Th e study reported that 36.4 per cent of respondents had experienced sexual coercion and 26.9 per cent had experienced physical assault, among which 41 per cent suff ered injuries.

Brownridge emphasizes that one in four women experience dating violence, or will experience some form of it, and encourages people to take into consideration that this may include one in four of their friends — though the numbers from this study cannot be generalized.

Th e idea behind the studied “intergenerational transmission” of violence is that violent behaviors get passed down through generations. For example, if a person observed violence in their family of origin, Brownridge hypothesized that it is more likely they will be in a violent relationship when they get older.

Th ere are diff erent modes through which parental behaviors could increase the risk of dating violence which include imitation, legitimization, observational learning, and criminological perspective. Brownridge’s research paper suggests that imitation has the most power behind it, concluding that “children who witness violence between their parents are more likely to learn that violence is normal in romantic relationships.”

Brownridge emphasizes that if someone is exposed to violence in their family, it doesn’t necessarily mean they will become violent in their own future relationships.

“Th is is one of the largest risk factors, but keep in mind that past researchers found that only 30 per cent, give or take fi ve per cent, of these people grow up to be victims or perpetrators; that means about 70 per cent never fi nd themselves violent or in a violent relationship when older. “It’s by no means a fate d’accomplis,” adds Brownridge.

With such large percentages of violence occurring today, many diff erent centres have become available to aid those who have become victimized.

Th e U of M has many resources available including the Womyn’s Centre, Student Counselling and Career Centre, Peer Advisors, Teen Touch, or in the event of an emergency, Campus Security Services.

Although Peer Advisors hasn’t seen many people come in to discuss dating violence, they are aware that it is a problem students are facing.

“People think it’s too common to mention or are just afraid to deal with the problem,” commented Leandrofre Ylejer, a student volunteer with the organization.

Off -campus resources such as a women’s resource centres, (i.e. the Fort Garry Women’s Resource Centre), the Men’s Resource Centre, Klinic Community Health Care, ,or Family Violence Prevention are all available.

Brownridge adds that “Th ere is no harm in asking questions; remember you can always fi nd help and you’re never too deep to be pulled out.”