This excerpt is from a section of the In Search of Love report that describes how intimate violence is viewed differently than "street violence," and its ramifications.

"The acceptance of dating violence in adolescence is a precursor to family violence in adulthood. The problems that emerge during this crucial time period are often carried forward into adult life. As young males progress to adulthood, they learn that there are consequences to traditional male-on-male street violence. You either end up seriously hurt, in jail, or dead. However, young males believe that there are far fewer consequences resulting from beating up their girlfriends. They believe that they can get away with it. Moreover, there are far fewer sanctions by their peers against physical domination in the privacy of one's relationship. The all important peer group will not 'get on you' for hitting your girlfriend. In some cases, it is even seen as necessary because as a man you 'have to keep your girl in check.'"

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