It’s a commonly held belief that children who grow up with domestic violence are more likely to perpetuate domestic abuse or be victims themselves into adulthood.
Researchers at the University of South Australia are challenging this trajectory, establishing factors that have helped young adults reject domestic violence and form healthy relationships, despite growing up with domestic violence themselves.
Funded by the Channel 7 Children’s Research Foundation, the Australian-first research will draw on the lived experiences of 200 young people (aged 18-30), who experienced domestic violence between their caregivers to identify people in their networks, social contexts, supports and systems that may have helped them form healthy relationships free of violence and abuse.
Lead researcher, Dr Fiona Buchanan says the study will deliver tangible, evidence-based information to help campaigners, policy makers and practitioners accurately plan and deliver successful initiatives to encourage young people to thrive.
“Domestic violence is at epidemic proportions in Australia, and despite all efforts, there is no indication that the numbers are falling,” Dr Buchanan says.
