SAFEGUARDING YOUNG PEOPLE FROM EXPLOITATION AND VIOLENCE IN TEENAGE 'DATING' RELATIONSHIPS

Although evidence exists on adult experiences of domestic violence, we know very little about exploitation and violence in teenager’s own relationships. This research, funded by the Big Lottery Fund and the NSPCC, will explore with young people their experiences of physical, sexual and emotional forms of dating violence, including their coping strategies and views on intervention. The more specific aims include exploring;

• the impact of such violence on young people’s wellbeing
• if any groups are particularly vulnerable to becoming victims and/or assailants
• young people’s own understandings, attitudes to and evaluations of such violence
• wider social processes/structures that support such violence

The study will combine both quantitative and qualitative approaches;

• self-completion survey
• face to face semi-structured, in-depth interviews
• vignettes

A sample of approximately 1,500 pupils from eight schools will be asked to participate in the survey, from this a qualitative interview sample of between 70-80 young people will be selected.