Young adults’ viewpoints concerning helpful factors when living in an intimate partner violence context

Abstract

• Young adults’ viewpoints concerning their exposure to intimate partner violence. • Life history calendar: used to develop a better understanding of protective factors. • Exposure to intimate partner violence: five types of protective factors can help. • Social environment of the young people: related to an array of protective factors. This qualitative study examined factors which were considered to be helpful by young adults who were exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) during their childhood and adolescence. Life course theory was chosen for the analysis framework because it allowed us to look at the factors found in such diverse trajectories as family, friendship, romantic relationships, school, and work. The sample was comprised of 45 young Québec adults from 18 to 25 years old who were exposed to IPV. The participants began by filling out an online questionnaire documenting their victimization experiences (the Adult Retrospective Version of the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire). They then participated in a semi-structured interview based on their own life history calendar. The results indicated five main types of helpful factors: 1) emotional support, 2) material help, 3) professional help, 4) distancing strategies, and 5) opportunities to experience success and discover one’s strengths and abilities. Certain factors were noted in most of the above-mentioned trajectories, whereas others were specific to one or a few trajectories. In conclusion, the need to conduct further research on protective factors is emphasized, with the goal being to improve interventions with young people exposed to IPV and with those close to them, and to positively influence their life courses.