Hence the cycle of violence continues. Interrupting this harmful cycle is clearly in the best interest of all. In considering the factors that best predicted inflicting dating violence, O Keefe found that being a recipient of violence was the strongest predictor of inflicting dating violence. In other words, acts of violence create a risk for a violent response or for future violent acts. Interrupting the cycle of abusive behavior is difficult.
Parents play a critical role in influencing adolescent dating behaviors.
Sources Darling, Nancy. Parenting style and its correlates . The safe dates project. Confronting dating violence. Gender and contextual factors in adolescent dating violence.