A new study confirmed what Break the Cycle sees everyday: dating abuse is common by middle school. Polling more than 1,400 seventh graders, the researchers turned up these startling statistics:
- More than one in three (37%) students surveyed report being a victim of emotional dating violence in the last six months.
- Nearly one in six (15%) students surveyed report being a victim of physical dating violence in the last six months.
- Nearly two out of three students surveyed (63%) strongly agree with a harmful gender stereotype, such as “with boyfriends and girlfriends, the boy should be smarter than the girl.”
With 75% of seventh graders already having a boyfriend or girlfriend, everyone is at risk. That’s why Break the Cycle designed our Respect WORKS! program for middle and high schools. Learn how to place our proven prevention model in your community.