Abstract:
The objective of the study is examining dating related abuse on girl students in Addis Ababa University. A mixed research method was used for the data collection and analysis of this study in a sample of 166 regular undergraduate female students. Systematic random and purposive sampling methods were used for data gathering. This research’s result shows that there is a prevalence of dating related abuse with the dominance of emotional abuse. Cultural influence and considering abuse as a sign of love are the major contributing factors and self-esteem is negatively correlated with the three abuse types. Therefore, the researcher concludes; dating abuse can be both a cause and a consequence for low self-esteem and considering abuse as a sign of love which is influenced by society’s culture, has contributed most to its prevalence. Finally, the researcher recommends that attitudes and norms related to gender inequality needs to be challenged and heavy measures should be taken on those who break the law in order to deter others.
Key words: Dating abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, self-esteem