A detailed study of intimate partner violence and abuse (IPVA) among young people in the UK has found that a ‘loneliness loop’ risks trapping young people in a repeating cycle of abuse. The University of Bristol-led research, which analysed survey data from 3,000 young people, recommends early intervention to prevent young people from experiencing IPVA.
Approximately one third of young people in the UK have experienced IPVA by the age of 21.
The Medical Research Council-funded research, summarised in a new policy report published by PolicyBristol today [1 February], sought to understand the risk factors which make young people more vulnerable to IPVA. The study also explored the types and frequency of abuse they experience, and their experiences of getting help and support.