Your participation in this study is entirely voluntary. You may choose not to answer any of the questions, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without any penalty to you. You will be able to address any questions, comments, or concerns you have about this study by contacting principle investigator by email, postal mail, or telephone at the addresses given below.

We do not ask your name on the survey, and your name will not appear on any portion of your survey. The survey is anonymous, identified only by a random number. Although every measure will be taken to ensure confidentiality, it is a common fact that any information sent via the internet cannot be guaranteed complete confidentiality. Once we have received your survey, it will remain in a locked office in the Department of Behavioral Sciences at Mercy College, and will be accessible only to the principle investigator.

In reporting results in professional journals or meetings, only group results and anonymous quotes will be provided. Individuals will not be identifiable. When the project is completed, a summary of results will be available by e-mail or posted on a webpage.

There are no foreseeable risks associated with participation in this study. It cannot be guaranteed or promised that you will receive any benefits from participating in this study. Your participation may contribute to your and our understanding of definitions of abusive behaviors within intimate relationships and how people think about conflict within romantic relationships.

If you have any questions, please send an email the principle investigator, Kimberly Rapoza; or if you prefer postal mail or telephone the principle investigator can be contacted at:

Kimberly A. Rapoza., Ph.D.
Department of Behavioral Sciences, Mercy College
555 Broadway
Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
(914)674-7680

The Mercy College Institutional Review Board (IRB) has approved this study (Project # 05-56). If you have questions regarding the approval of this study or participant rights, please call Kathleen Golisz, MA,OTR,BCN, the IRB chairperson, at Mercy College (914) 674-7814 or via e-mail at mcirb@mercy.edu.

I understand that my participation in this study is entirely voluntary. I know that I may choose not to answer any particular question, and may withdraw from the project at any time. I have read this statement, understand the procedures, and agree to participate in this study. If you agree to this consent form, please click on "Accept" to go to the survey; otherwise click on "Decline"