Canadian Paediatric Society urges doctors to screen youth for dating violence

The Canadian Paediatric Society issued new guidance on Thursday urging health-care providers to screen young patients for dating violence. The society says one third of Canadian youth, defined as those in Grade 6 and up, have experienced abuse in relationships. This violence can lead to both immediate and long-term adverse health outcomes, the report states. Dr. Megan Harrison, chair of the society's adolescent health committee, said providers are seeing an increase in dating-related violence.

Harrison said the abuse can range from stalking and psychological harm to sexual violence. She noted that increased use of social media and technology among teens is a contributing factor. Tracy Vaillancourt, a professor at the University of Ottawa, said violent content on social media and in online pornography is a major problem. "It dehumanizes girls and women," Vaillancourt said. "And it's quite problematic to how they see relationships."

Certain groups face a higher risk of experiencing dating violence, according to the society's data. Cisgender girls and transgender and gender-diverse youth in Grades 9 and 10 show a higher prevalence of victimization. Dr. Cécile Rousseau of McGill University said poverty, marginality and discrimination also make some youth more vulnerable. Vaillancourt added that young people who experience domestic violence or bullying are more likely to be in abusive relationships.

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The society recommends that pediatricians and other primary care providers start conversations about healthy relationships during routine visits. They should offer privacy and connect youth with community resources when needed. The guidance notes that normalizing these discussions at every visit helps build rapport. However, experts questioned the effectiveness of screening without adequate follow-up support.

Vaillancourt pointed to studies showing screening for intimate partner violence is only beneficial when resources are available. "So asking somebody if they're in an unsafe situation and then doing nothing about it is actually quite problematic," she said. Rousseau acknowledged health-care providers play a key role but face complex challenges. She said teen dating violence, self-harm and suicide are all increasing rapidly, and shifting technology use makes it hard for researchers to keep pace.

With files from CBC News