What are the distinct and distinctive experiences of young women who experience intimate partner violence?

Background

This study seeks to develop a deeper understanding of and provide voice to young Australian women’s experiences of intimate partner violence. Young women experience serious risks from intimate partner violence. However, historically young women’s experiences have been overlooked in Australian family violence discourse, despite clear evidence of the current and ongoing risks and impacts that intimate partner violence has in their lives.
This study aims to contribute to the empirical evidence base of social work, youth studies and family violence through both an epistemological perspective (young women’s experiences of intimate partner violence) and a methodological perspective (youth-focused research methodologies).

Aim

This study aims to develop a deeper understanding of young women's experiences of intimate partner violence in an Australian context. Intimate partner violence will be considered from both heterosexual and LGBTIQ+ relational contexts.

Methods

This study utilises feminist intersectional mixed methods, including developmentally appropriate qualitative semi-structured interviews and creative methodologies.

Significance

This study will contribute to the wider Australian youth and family violence discourse as well as the feminist and youth methodological praxis. This study has an important role to play in enhancing methodological understandings of ways in which Australian adolescent women’s voices are, or can be, heard, understood and supported. Although a core focus of this study is to uncover the experiences of young women, it also aims to generate evidence regarding empowering, safe and youth-focused research methodologies.

Project start date

October 2019

Expected completion date

October 2024