Dating Violence and Gender Beliefs Legitimizing Dating Violence among Cape Verdean University Students

The present study analyses the association between victimization and perpetration of dating violence and gender beliefs legitimizing dating violence among Cape Verdean university students. The sample consisted of 301 Cape Verdean university students, 220 female (73.1%) and 80 male (26.6%), with an average age of 23.86 years old (SD = 6.112). An online survey with sociodemographic characterization, the Inventory of Gender Beliefs, and the Inventory of Violent Juvenile Relationships were completed by each participant. Findings reveal high levels of dating violence, with 61.1% (n = 184) and 46.8% (n = 141) of students admitting having been exposed to or perpetrated, respectively, at least one act of violence. Female participants showed higher rates of victimization when compared to male participants, while males presented a higher level of beliefs legitimizing dating violence when compared to females. Education policy recommendations for dating violence prevention and combat are provided.