Background: Dating violence has an alarming prevalence among Brazilian adolescents. School-based preventive programs have been implemented, but remain isolated initiatives with low reach. Health communication strategies based on innovative technologies with a high potential of diffusion are urgent. This study aimed to develop a computer-tailored intervention to prevent victimization and perpetration of dating violence among Brazilian youth. Methods: The intervention, called Dating SOS (SOS Namoro), is based on the I-Change Model and attachment theory and is a comprehensive preventive program targeted to young people with a current partner. The intervention design included the stages of needs assessment; definition of objectives of change; development of the library of messages; elaboration of a questionnaire for tailoring feedbacks according to the relevant variables; integration of the content in the software Tailor Builder; pre-testing; and usability and efficacy evaluation planning. Dating SOS is composed of four online sessions. The first session gives a tailored orientation on attachment style and risk perception of violence. The second session addresses knowledge on conflict management, positive and negative social models of intimate relationships and an action plan to improve everyday interactions. The third session covers social norms, self-efficacy and an action plan to cope with conflicts. The fourth session discusses attitudes, social support and an action plan to protect from violence. Improvements on the interface and tailoring refinement was done after pre-testing to improve attractiveness and decrease risk of iatrogenic effects. Discussion: The principal merit of the present study resides in the development of an innovative strategy based on the qualified use of the internet for education surrounding romantic relationships and the prevention of dating violence among adolescent and young Brazilians, a hitherto unaddressed need in the field. The intervention usability and efficacy should be investigated in further studies. Trial registration: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials. RBR-9frj8q. Prospectively registered on July 25, 2019.

Resumo Este artigo analisa avanços e limitações na produção científica acerca do processo de término de relações íntimas violentas. Realizou-se busca nas bases de dados Portal de Periódicos Capes e SciELO, com entradas em inglês, francês, espanhol e português. O critério de inclusão foi tratar do término de relações amorosas violentas ou de aspectos da decisão ficar versus sair. Encontraram-se catorze estudos publicados entre 1999 e 2015, dos quais metade tinha design quantitativo e a outra metade, qualitativo. Estas variáveis mostraram correlação com o avanço rumo ao término nos estudos quantitativos: nível de investimento, comprometimento, normas subjetivas, atribuir ao agressor a responsabilidade pela agressão, sentimento de raiva, barreiras e facilitadores estruturais. Para os sete estudos qualitativos, observaram-se: a proposta de novos modelos de compreensão, a maior variabilidade de recrutamento das amostras e a consideração do período pós-separação nas análises. Discutem-se recomendações para a prática profissional e a pesquisa.

This study investigated characteristics of the transition to new relationships after the end of a violent one through case studies. Two young white Brazilian women who had experienced violent first relationships underwent a narrative interview and filled out the Experiences in Close Relationships Inventory. One of them had moved to a healthy relationship and the second one to another violent relationship. Awareness of violence and the adoption of strategies that enlarged models, world views, social circles, support and self care had not been enough to avoid the entrance in a new violent relationship. The development of the ability to access and validate one’s own feelings and wills, resulting in greater assertiveness, favored the transition to a healthy relationship. The approach to secure attachment style accompanied such changes. We discuss the implications to professional practice and preventive initiatives, as well as directions for future research.