However, there are a number of important research issues in the literature that require clarification and/or research replication.

This review identifies and addresses these issues in three sections.

The workgroup has met regularly since September 2006 to share information and coordinate teen dating violence programs, policy and research activities to combat teen dating violence from a public health perspective.

Participating agencies have collaborated on several joint efforts, including cohosting the December 2007 workshop and sponsoring the Concept Mapping Project.

The first section of the review examines methodological issues, which include definition, violence rates, and sampling.

The second section addresses gender and violence, in particular the relationship of gender to perpetration, victimization, and attitudes.

Such research has extended the knowledge base not only about the incidence and types of violence occurring but also about consequences, contributing factors, and gender differences.

Summaries and proceedings are available for each of the workshops: The creation of the Federal Interagency Workgroup on Teen Dating Violence was one outcome of the 2006 Workshop on Teen Dating Violence.

The workgroup is composed of representatives from 18 agencies representing the Departments of Health and Human Services, Justice, Education and Defense as well as the Office of the Vice President.

It can occur in person or electronically and might occur between a current or former dating partner. Healthy relationship behaviors can have a positive effect on a teen’s emotional development.

Several different words are used to describe teen dating violence. Dating violence is widespread with serious long-term and short-term effects. Unhealthy, abusive, or violent relationships can have severe consequences and short- and long-term negative effects on a developing teen.