Domestic abuse can and does occur in young people’s own relationships.  The term domestic abuse itself is unlikely to be one that young people will identify with, even if it is happening to them, as many perceive it to only apply to older people, particularly those who live together and who have children. The need for awareness raising and education is therefore more important than ever.

 

Abuse in teenage relationships is very prevalent. In research recently carried out by Scottish Women’s Aid and the Young Women’s Movement Scotland with over 450 young women in Scotland, over a third (36%) of respondents had been in an intimate relationship with someone who was abusive or harmed them physically or emotionally. Almost three quarters (74%) knew someone who had been in an intimate relationship with someone who was abusive or harmed them physically or emotionally.[i]

 

Like adults, domestic abuse amongst young people is a gendered issue. In an NSPCC survey (2009)[ii]on abuse in young people’s relationships, they found that:

  • 75% of girls and 50% of boys experienced emotional abuse of some form
  • 25% of girls and 18% of boys experienced physical abuse
  • 33% of girls and 16% of boys experienced sexual abuse

 

Abuse within teenage relationships can include all the areas discussed within adult abuse but might also include behaviours such as the requesting and non-consensual sharing of intimate images, sharing of pornography, sexual coercion and grooming.

 

The NSPCC reports highlights the importance of having discussions with young people about relationships and abusive behaviour. Such behaviours are often considered ‘normal’ within their relationships and offering a safe space to explore their experiences and the potential harms supports young people to identify them as unacceptable and unhealthy. This further highlights the need for relationships and abuse to be included in the .

[i] Scottish Women’s Aid and Young Women’s Movement Scotland, forthcoming publication (2022)

[ii] NSPCC 2009 Barter et al, ‘Partner exploitation and violence in teenage intimate relationships’