The impact of adolescent dating violence and abuse on victims’ mental health and social isolation: a thematic empirical evidence review

Purpose: Adolescent Dating Violence and Abuse (ADVA) can have severe and long-lasting
implications for the mental health, cognitive development, and overall wellbeing of young
people at a complex developmental stage. Factors such as the quality and influence of peer
relationships are critical foundations in ADVA, with certain childhood adversities increasing
the risk of future ADVA perpetration.

Design/methodology/approach: In this article we examine the impact of ADVA on victim-
survivors focusing on mental distress including, self-harm, depression and anxiety, continuous
traumatic stress (CTS), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidal ideation. We also
examine the pervasive influence of ADVA on victims’ social isolation and exclusion from
networks of social support. ADVA often causes victims to be fearful, entrapped, isolated, and
controlled.

Findings: Societal normalisation of dating abuse and rape myths can exacerbate a victim’s
feelings of self-blame and shame, severely impairing young people’s ability to disclose and
seek external support, perpetuating feelings of helplessness. In integrating recent research,
legislation and government reports we demonstrate the necessity of addressing ADVA through
a whole school approach, trauma informed interventions and authentic educational
programmes.

Originality/value: This article contributes to the growing body of literature emphasising both
the mental health impact and urgent need to change attitudes and behaviours underlying ADVA.
We offer recommendations for policy and practice such that the needs of victims can be better
met and perpetrators are to account.