Understanding Abuse in Young People's Intimate Relationships

Abstract

This book enriches our understanding of the influences of gendered social norms on the nature of young people’s intimate relationships. It explores the gendered power to negotiate and dictate the progression of young intimate relationships and the dynamics of abusive behaviour patterns within these relationships. The discussion includes a focus on evaluating the nature and progression of the relationships, including an exploration of the gendered patterns of ‘online’ and ‘offline’ abuse, and the nature of coercive controlling behaviour, including the impact of everyday forms of harassment and sexual bullying in schools and beyond. The book illustrates the importance of creating a ‘female-only space’ for this form of discussion, with a focus on demonstrating the importance of promoting young women as ‘active agents’ to share their views. The discussion finalises with an exploration of a whole-community approach to promote healthy young intimate relationships across our communities.