Two models of structural equations were tested to determine if family functionality and the number of dating partners could predict abusive behavior exercised and suffered by a group of 548 high school students (294 women and 295 men), aged 12 to 22 years.Two checklists of experiences of partner abuse were used to inform behaviors exercised and received, and the Effectiveness in Family Functioning Scale.Two models with indicators of goodness of fit (NFI, RFI, IFI, TLI, CFI) above .90were found, and MSYR below .05.The results indicate that problems in family functioning could promote a major number of dating partners and that these two aspects could predict psychological, emotional and physical abuse, exercised and suffered in dating.