PEOPLE WHO USE VIOLENCE (NPRF 24.04)
Trauma-related pathways into adolescent family violence use
3 years
Violence used by adolescents in their homes and intimate relationships is concerningly common in Australia and is a major social justice and public health challenge.
Violence used by adolescents detrimentally affects the wellbeing of families, dating partners, and the young people themselves.
Research aims
This project aims to develop new insights into trauma-related pathways into AFV, combining comprehensive data and firsthand accounts to inform effective prevention and intervention strategies.
Methods
The project takes a mixed-methods approach, featuring:
- A quantitative study: using existing linked administrative data to undertake the first population-based prospective longitudinal analysis of the pathways from childhood maltreatment to AFV.
- A qualitative study: featuring the co-creation of an integrated and trauma-informed explanatory framework of AFV through in-depth semi-structured interviews with young people who have engaged in these behaviours, to inform interventions to reduce these behaviours.
Significance
The quantitative research will guide policy on resource allocation to prevent AFV in children who have experienced violence and trauma. The qualitative research will generate a framework to support young people to recognise and change their behaviour.
This study will offer a practical approach to understanding and addressing AFV, identifying intervention opportunities to safeguard all involved.
Researchers
Project lead
Dr Nina Papalia, Senior Lecturer in Clinical and Forensic Psychology and ARC DECRA Fellow, Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science, Swinburne University of Technology and Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health (Forensicare)
Research team
Associate Professor Susan Baidawi, Associate Professor in Social Work & Co-Director of Criminal Justice Research Consortium, Social Work Department, Monash University
Dr Georgina Dimopoulos, Senior Lecturer in Law, Faculty of Business, Law and Arts, Southern Cross University
Dr Benjamin Spivak, Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology, Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science, Swinburne University of Technology and Forensicare
Associate Professor Andrew Peters, Associate Professor of Indigenous Studies, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology
Dr Melanie Simmons, Chief Psychology Officer, Victorian Department of Justice and Community Safety, and Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science, Swinburne University of Technology and Forensicare
Professor Troy McEwan, Professor of Clinical and Forensic Psychology, Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science, Swinburne University of Technology and Senior Clinical Forensic Psychologist, Forensicare
Research partners
Dr Michele Lonsdale, Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare
Dr Mandy Charman, Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare
Budget
$235,501 (excluding GST)
This project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.