Collegiate Sororities and Dating Violence

Abstract

Women in collegiate sororities are more at risk for violence within the context of dating relationships than is the general population of college women. Because assaulted women are more likely to turn to their peer networks for support, this study explores the formal and informal helping strategies available to sorority members within the context of their sororities. A total of 35 women representing 17 different sororities participated in 4 focus groups. Although the central finding uncovered how violence is largely omitted from the formal agendas of sororities, community and campus-based programs addressing the issue can build on their sincere interest in helping each other.

Adolescent Dating Violence: Supports and Barriers in Accessing Services

“…• Less than half of victims sought healthcare Anderson and Danis (2007 • Sorority interest in obtaining more information about dating violence and how other sororities were addressing the issue.…”

“…Five out of the six qualitative studies obtained their information through holding focus groups (Amar et al, 2012;Anderson & Danis, 2007;Martin et al, 2011;Williams et al, 2012). The study investigating effective DV programs within the Mexican American adolescent population was unique in that they conducted focus groups with adolescents grouped according to their level of acculturation and gender (Williams et al, 2012).…”

“…The study investigating effective DV programs within the Mexican American adolescent population was unique in that they conducted focus groups with adolescents grouped according to their level of acculturation and gender (Williams et al, 2012). Various analytic approaches were taken to identify major themes from these focus groups, including content analysis (Amar et al, 2012;Lindsay et al, 2013;Martin et al, 2012), a constant comparative method (Anderson & Danis, 2007), and phenomenology (Williams et al, 2012). The last qualitative study utilized a telephone survey to obtain data from participants (Danis & Anderson, 2008) The other four quantitative studies acquired their information through self-administered questionnaires.…”

“…Two of these studies focused solely on collegiate sororities (Anderson & Danis, 2007;Danis & Anderson, 2008). Anderson and Danis researched collegiate sorority members at a large Midwestern public university and examined organizational and individual responses to DV, and how these served as a support or barrier to accessing services.…”

“…In the study that conducted focus groups with college sorority members, it was identified that some sororities have instituted angel boards or watch lists in which sorority members keep an eye on other members that they suspect have a problem. This system helps identify members that need help and pairs them with a member of the sorority's executive council for victims to have someone to meet with regularly and to obtain assistance with their situation (Anderson & Danis, 2007). Another qualitative study that targeted female college students who had experienced DV elicited excellent feedback as the mobile phone app regarding DV was seen not only as a useful and effective tool, but also one that could be of service to victims who are unwilling or hesitant in seeking formal services of help (Lindsay et al, 2013).…”