The review found that dating violence (DV) among young women is prevalent and is associated with serious adverse effects. An ecological model groups risk factors according to four categories: sociodemographic factors, individual factors (personal and interpersonal), environmental factors (family, peer group, and community), and contextual factors linked to the abusive romantic relationship. Living in a broken family, being less involved in religious activities, and living in a rural area are apparently risk factors for DV. Depressive symptoms and suicidal behaviors are related to DV. Believing that violence is tolerable and justified is also associated with DV. Conduct disorders, substance use, and risky sexual practices are risk factors for DV as well. In addition, prior victimization experiences, such as family violence and child sexual abuse, are associated with DV, as are inadequate parental practices and having delinquent friends. Although little is known about the dynamics of romantic relationships that involve DV, the limited data indicate that mutual violence between partners and differences in power between the partners increases the risk for violence. The majority of DV prevention programs have focused on relational violence in general. A specialized approach that targets high-risk youth may improve prevention effectiveness. 1 table, 120 references, and 4 suggested readings