It was found that sexual abuse was more common than physical abuse, but only for women: 17 percent of the men and 27 percent of the women were physically abused by one or more dating partners. Sexual abuse was quite common with 22 percent of the men and 36 percent of the women who report sexual victimization by one or more dating partners. Women were more likely to experience sexual than physical abuse while dating, and those who sustained sexual abuse in one relationship were likely to sustain sexual abuse in other relationships. Finally, victims of abuse were more likely to tell their friends they had been abused than report it to criminal justice authorities. Strategies to help prevent sexual abuse are discussed. 3 tables and 28 references. (Author abstract modified)