SEXUAL AND SEVERE PHYSICAL VIOLENCE AMONG HIGH-SCHOOL-STUDENTS - POWER BELIEFS, GENDER, AND RELATIONSHIP

In a sample of 463 high school students, 43% reported being the victim of either sexual violence or severe physical violence by peers in the past year. Perpetrators were more likely to be known rather than unkn own to the victim, or to be dating/ex-dating partners, and 70% of thos e who experienced violence by peers were girls. Findings support a vie w of high school peer violence that encompasses relationship, gender e ffects on the victim, and beliefs about both male role power and perso nal power.