Teenage partner violence: young people’s views on awareness, prevention, intervention and regaining one’s sense of wellbeing

摘要

Violence and abuse between partners in teenage intimate relationships has been increasingly recognised as a prevalent but hidden issue that can impact negatively on wellbeing and future life chances. Whilst most existing research has focused on the prevalence, impact and risk factors for teenage partner violence (TPV), or on the evaluation of prevention education programmes, the current study sought to gain young people’s own views on what they thought could be helpful with regard to awareness, prevention, intervention and regaining a sense of wellbeing following the experience of an unhealthy relationship. Data were gathered through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Participants included 310 mainstream school pupils aged 14-18, including 161 girls and 149 boys, and 4 women from a domestic violence prevention organization. A thematic analysis of the findings resulted in four over-arching themes that encompassed several sub-themes. Participants felt there needed to be increased awareness and understanding of TPV amongst adults and YP themselves; there should be greater access to relevant, regular and interactive education and information; there should be opportunities to talk to someone; and there should be opportunities and support to build self-esteem. The findings have implications for the approach taken towards TPV in schools and it is suggested that educational psychologists may be well placed to share relevant information with teachers, YP and parents.