Introduction/Objective:

Although studies show high figures for cyberviolence victimization in courtship (CVN), little is known about its prevalence and frequency in Colombia and the difficulties that could be related to it are still unknown worldwide. This study compared the prevalence of CVN victimization by age and sex, in a group of Colombian adolescents and young adults, and examined whether the frequency of CVN behaviors suffered was related to the number of suicide attempts and escapes from home, the quality of relationships with peers, adults and family members and the academic performance.

Method:

1971 adolescents and young adults from 13 to 40 years of age (53% women) participated. The CDAQ and a questionnaire of psychological variables were used.

Results:

81.3% of the participants reported having suffered at least one CVN behavior, this percentage being significantly higher among adolescents than among young adults. There were statistically significant differences in the experience of CVN behaviors by sex, with men reporting being victims of aggression more frequently. All the variables correlated significantly with the frequency of CVN behaviors suffered. Participants who experienced at least one CVN behavior reported significantly more escapes from home and lower quality relationships with adults, peers, and family members.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that CVN affects adolescents more than young adults and that the victims could present several difficulties at the family and social level.

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