Child-on-child (Peer-on-peer) Sexual Abuse
Factors associated with the perpetration of interpersonal violence and abuse in young people’s intimate relationships
Full Article Title: Factors associated with the perpetration of interpersonal violence and abuse in young people’s intimate relationships.
Open Access: Yes
Abstract
This paper examines individual, peer and societal factors associated with young people’s instigation of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, including abuse and control through new technologies, in their intimate relationships. The mixed-method research included a survey of 4564 young people aged 14–17 across five European countries. Young people’s advisory groups were convened in each country to work alongside the research teams. Across the European sample, 38% of boys and 45% of girls stated they engaged in some form of emotional violence, 10% of girls and 6% of boys reported the use of physical violence and 20% of boys and 4% of girls reported using sexual violence (pressure and/or physical force). A range of intersecting factors, including wider experiences of violence and abuse, gendered attitudes and consumption of online pornography, were associated with the use of intimate violence, although these differed by gender. The research provides new European insights through measuring the association with three discrete forms of IPVA as well as exploring perpetration by both males and females. A Prevention and intervention programmes seeking to respond to violence in young people’s relationships need to develop effective strategies to address the interplay of these factors across young people’s lives.
Relevance
“Amongst boys, regularly watching pornography was associated with increased probability of perpetrating emotional (OR 1.41) and notably sexual (OR 2.46) IPVA [interpersonal violence and abuse]. The coefficient for physical violence was positive but not significant. Given the low levels of pornography consumption reported by young women, it was to be expected that no significant association was found.”
Citation
Barter, C., Lanau, A., Stanley, N., Aghtaie, N., & Överlien, C. (2022). Factors associated with the perpetration of interpersonal violence and abuse in young people’s intimate relationships, Journal of Youth Studies, 25(5), 547-563. https://doi.org/10.1080/13676261.2021.1910223