NCJ Number
154063
Journal
Youth Studies Australia Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Dated: (Autumn 1995) Pages: 46-51
Date Published
1995
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes a Participatory Research Action study exploring links between gender and violence in young Australian mothers' lives.
Abstract
Data were gathered over a 6-month period from 31 young mother participants, all of whom were 25 years or younger and had become mothers for the first time during adolescence. Most of the participants had some association with youth support services and some experience of homelessness. The first stage of the research involved a core group of seven young women engaged in an action- reflection process. A research forum attended by the 31 participants comprised the second stage of research, followed by data analysis and documentation of findings. The research showed that many young mothers are extremely vulnerable to domestic and other types of violence. These women's experiences can be linked to a broader culture pattern that celebrates male violence and holds young parenting women in low regard. Families, friends, and professionals who could have offered these young mothers support tended to share the negative assumptions about young mothers held by the wider community. Issues raised by the participants include violence as a cultural experience, responsibility of the perpetrator, the distinction between violence and conflict, and the importance of fostering connections. 10 references