Consequences of Dating Violence.
In addition to an increase of risk for injury, victims of dating violence are at increased risk for binge drinking, suicide attempts, physical fights, and sexual activity (CDC, 2006). Research has highlighted other negative outcomes, such as injuries, ongoing abuse, revictimization, school drops, low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety (e.g. Collin-Vezina,Heb'ert,Manseau,Blais,&Fernet;, 2006). .
Interview.
As part of my research, I conducted my own personal interview with a lesbian female that discussed same sex dating violence that occurred in her relationship. Courtney is currently 27 years old, employed at Friday's Restaurant as a waitress, and has not been in a relationship with a female within the past 3 years. Since 13 years old, Courtney sexual preference has been in the interest to date females. Her first lesbian relationship started in high school at the age of 16 with another female who was 18 years old. Courtney says, "At first I was a little skeptical about dating someone with a two year age difference but I couldn't help my physical attraction towards her, how she was self-dependent, popular, and continuously showed her growing love and affection towards me"." Courtney didn't have to ask her girlfriend for anything because she would provide her with food, money for school, money for clothes, shower her with gifts, and eventually asked Courtney to move in with her after she completed high school.
Shortly after they moved in together, Courtney began to notice her girlfriend secretly hid her alcohol and marijuana addiction over the past year that they were involved. At times, her girlfriend would verbally abuse Courtney by saying, "If it wasn't for me Courtney, you wouldn't have anything. No clothes, no shoes, no money in your pocket, not even a roof over your head."" Courtney experienced the verbal abuse from time to time but didn't believe that her girlfriend meant any harm to her.
