BOSTON -- Nearly half of Boston youths believe pop singer Rihanna was responsible for an incident of alleged domestic abuse that left her bloodied and bruised, according to a survey conducted by the Public Health Commission.

Surveyors polled 200 city youths, ranging in age from 12 to 19, and asked their feelings about the incident, in which singer Chris Brown is accused of striking girlfriend Rihanna several times following an argument.

The survey found that 46 percent of youths believe Rihanna is responsible for provoking the alleged assault. Additionally, 52 percent said Rihanna and Brown share responsibility for the incident, despite the fact that Rihanna had been beaten badly enough to require hospital treatment.

Emily F. Rothman, assistant professor in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the Boston University School of Public Health, and an adviser to the Boston Start Strong initiative, said the studies results are a troubling sign about youth attitudes toward domestic violence.

"Boston parents need to be aware that our children are facing a crisis," said Rothman. "Teen dating violence victimization can be a precursor to adult violence victimization, and can increase risky behaviors during adolescence, including substance use, unhealthy dieting and weight control practices, and suicidal behavior."

About 10 percent of all Boston youth have been the victim of domestic violence, according to Rothman.

The survey also found that 44 percent of participants feel fighting is a “normal part of a relationship,” while 77 percent said that arguing is normal. About half of all respondents also said that Chris Brown was being treated unfairly by the media, according to the commission.

"The case provides all of us with an opportunity to have this conversation with the young people in our lives, and it should serve as a reminder that no one -- not even the rich and famous -- are immune to abuse," said Casey Corcoran, director of the Public Health Commission’s Start Strong program.

Start Strong is part of a national initiative tasked with preventing and reducing teen dating violence by educating 11- to 14-year-olds about healthy relationships.

Corcoran said that the high-profile incident between Rihanna and Brown can serve as a launching point for parents to speak with their children about dating violence.