​Relationship Agression FAQ

How common is relationship aggression?

It’s difficult to know how common relationship aggression is because so often it is not reported. Some acts of relationship aggression are illegal, and when reported, are recorded. However, many acts of aggression and violence within an intimate relationship are not illegal. There are several estimates which indicate that relationship aggression is, unfortunately, somewhat common. It has been estimated that one in three women experiences physical harm within the context of a relationship during her lifetime. Nationally, it is estimated that for about 16% of adult couples, relationship aggression is part of their relationship.

What about relationship aggression at Job Corps?

We know that students who are 16 to 24 years of age report high rates of relationship aggression. It would therefore follow that Job Corps students likely have a similarly high rate of violence in their intimate relationships. Job Corps staff knows that it is not uncommon to overhear or see exchanges between students which suggest relationship aggression. Certain behaviors may indicate that a student is involved, and likely a victim of, relationship aggression. These may include physical signs of injury, changes in personality and mood, poor academic performance, alcohol or drug use, pregnancy, and social isolation.

What’s the long term impact of relationship aggression?

Experiencing violence or aggression in any form is clearly unhealthy and damaging to the victim. However, to be victimized within the context of an intimate or romantic relationship can be additionally traumatizing. It is not uncommon for students who are victimized within their intimate relationships over extended periods of time to develop mental health problems. Frequently, depression and anxiety symptoms develop in students who experience on-going aggression and violence within their dating relationships. These students may struggle with problems related to self-esteem, maintaining friendships, and social isolation. Additionally, it appears that aggression and violence experienced in adolescent relationships leads to relationship problems in adulthood.

How much do you know about relationship agression?

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