WASHINGTON, D.C. (WUSA)— The results of a new survey, “Liz Claiborne Inc.’s Love Is Not Abuse 2011 College Dating Violence and Abuse Poll,” were unveiled at American University in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday night.
Researchers polled college aged women throughout the country and found the rate of abusive relationships among college couples is alarming.
Juley Fulcher, the director of police for Break The Cycle who conducted the survey, said, “The findings are what we hate to hear, which is that this is happening at very high rates.”
The survey showed 43 % of dating college women have experienced violent and abusive dating behaviors. More than 1 in 5 women (22%) reported actual physical abuse, sexual abuse or threats of physical violence. Also, a shocking 1 in 3 who claimed to be victims of abusive relationships say they don’t know how to get out of it.
Researchers with the study looked at three different types of abuse within the relationships; physical, sexual, and emotional.
Fulcher said the best way to get out of these situation is to talk about to friends and loved ones and form a support group. She said, “I think most people find that once they talk to one person it gets easier to bring others in, and get them as part of your team that are really backing you up.”
http://wusa9.com/news/article/167198/77/Survey-43-of-College-Aged-Women-Report-Abuse
