NCJ Number
203421
Journal
Violence Against Women Volume: 10 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2004 Pages: 6-28
Date Published
January 2004
Length
23 pages
Annotation
By examining the prevalence and effects of partner violence in a sample of new adolescent mothers, this study explored the relationship between teenage pregnancy and male partner violence.
Abstract
Data were obtained from in-depth interviews with 35 new teenage mothers who had never been in, were currently involved in, or had recently left abusive partner relationships. All the interviews were conducted during the years 1997 to 1999. Data analyses of the open-ended interviews were based on the grounded theory approach to qualitative research, which emphasizes the development of theory from data by using the general method of comparative analysis. The new mothers were between the ages of 13 and 21, were low-income, and received Medicaid benefits. Partner physical violence was reported by 11 of the mothers for their lifetime, but not in the year prior to the interview. Ten reported at least 1 of the physical abuse events in the last year. Nearly one-third reported sexual coercion in their lifetime, with 10 reporting at least 1 such incident in the past year. White mothers were slightly more likely to have never been in a violent relationship, and once in a violent relationship they were twice as likely as Black mothers to have left the relationship. In those relationships in which abuse was present, the male partner generally made birth control decisions. Abusive partners tended to limit the social network that was available to their partners. Limited opportunities for affordable housing left some abused mothers without safe and secure housing alternatives. Parents often provided crucial support and perspective for adolescents when they became involved with an abusive partner. Based on the findings, recommendations are offered for social workers, health professionals, and others who may interact with adolescent mothers. 2 tables and 31 references