Prevalence of Dating Violence among Students in Technical Institutions in Nyanza Province, Kenya

Abstract

Dating violence which includes psychological, physical and sexual violence contributes to long term psychological and physical consequences such as low self esteem, poor task performance and low academic achievement on students. The socio-cultural perception attached to dating relationships predisposes 29.3% of the youths to risky dating encounters such as sexually transmitted diseases and high HIV/ AIDS infection rates. The purpose of the study was to establish prevalence of dating violence among students of public technical institutions in Nyanza Province, Kenya. Objectives of the study were to establish prevalence of psychological, physical and sexual dating violence among students in technical institutions in Nyanza, Kenya. Findings of the study revealed that: Perpetration and victimization of dating violence ranged between 80% and 97% across gender. The study concluded that: dating violence is prevalent with far reaching negative domino effects of psychological violence on the victim’s self esteem and recovery far outweighing the immediate effects of physical and sexual violence. The study recommended that: healthy dating relationships are warranted for students with some tailoring to reflect on gender difference in risk profile. It is suggested that: guidance and counseling department be strengthened to help students manage dating relationships. Findings of the study could help stakeholders to explain causes of behaviour among dating partners and students in resolving conflict and improve their academic achievement despite the differences. Key words: Prevalence, Dating Violence, Gender. *Corresponding Author: Tel. +254721943754; e- mail address: koyugio@yahoo.com