LIFE MATTERS: ACKNOWLEDGING VICTIM RESISTANCE AND THE POWER OF SOCIAL RESPONSES

Abstract

Welcome to this special edition of the International Journal of Child, Youth and Family Studies . We are delighted to bring you this edition, which focuses on exploring interpersonal violence in its broader context. The situational and sociopolitical context of interpersonal violence includes an understanding of the importance of positive social responses for the victim. The term “social responses” refers to the things family, friends, and professionals do during and after disclosure: these responses can strengthen or undermine the well-being of the person who has experienced violence. These articles are based on certain assumptions about interpersonal violence. One important assumption is that victims — people who are targeted by violence — are not to blame. Victims of violence resist mistreatment, try to preserve their dignity, and enact responses that maximize their safety and the safety of others, even when there is very little room to maneuver. These articles were adapted from presentations at the Responses to Interpersonal Violence conference held at the University of Montreal in May 2016. This conference was accompanied by a meeting of the International Responses to Interpersonal Violence Network, headed by Margareta Hyden from the University of Linkoping in Sweden.