In the journey towards adulthood, relationships are a critical milestone and symbolise independence, exploration, and the formation of dееpеr emotional connections. Typically involving individuals between the age of 15 to 29. These relationships are more than just romantic pursuits; they are a learning ground for building trust, understanding mutual respect, and handling conflicts. However, an often-overlooked aspect with sеvеrе implications is the occurrence of violence in these relationships. This article aims to shed light on this issue, exploring its prevalence, impact and factors influencing it and potential solutions.
Violence in Young Adult Relationship is a major socioeconomic concern which includes many types of aggressiveness among 14-25-year-olds adults. It also includes bullying (physical and cyber), serious physical and sexual assaults, gang-related activities, and even killing by stabbing, mostly outside the home. Young adult violence causes deaths, physical injuries, long-term mental health concerns, and an increase in health-risk behaviours that may lead to chronic diseases. It also increases school dropouts, cognitive development issues, and community disengagement.
Statistics paint a worrying picture of violence in young adult relationships. According to a report by the American Psychological Association, around one-third of young adult’s report experiencing some form of violence in their relationships. This violence manifest in various forms such as physical abuse and emotional manipulation, verbal abuse, and sexual coercion and to name a few.
A study was conducted in 2017. 13.1% of adolescent girls and young women in South Africa aged 15-24 years have experienced violence in their relationships. Another study conducted in 16 African countries found that past year experience of intimate partner violence was higher among young women who married or began cohabiting before the age of 18 than those who did at age 18 or more. The World Health Organization reports that the regions of Oceania, Southern Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa have the highest prevalence rates of intimate
partner violence among women aged 15-49.
Violence in Young Adult relationship is under-studied in the U.K most especially among students in further education (age 15-19). Among females, 46.1% experienced controlling behaviours and 31.6% threatening behaviours; 49.9% of males experienced controlling behaviours, 27.1% threatening behaviours and 5.8% online sexual violence. The odds of young adult violence victimisation were 2–4 times greater for females who had ever sent a sexually explicit image or rejected the advances of the opposite gender. Most times, young adult female receive threats, verbal abuse, sexual abuse, and physical abuse when they refuse or reject the advances of their opposite gender.
In September 2023, A teenage girl who was stabbed to death in South London was trying to protect her friend from her knife-wielding ex-boyfriend. It was said that a boy tried to give his ex-girlfriend a flower and a love note on the number 60 bus, before chasing her and her friend with a machete. The girl was seen trying to return a bag of items after they separated recently, but a row broke out and the teenage boy raced after her at a bus stop. The boy is said to have pulled out a foot-long knife and stabbed the other girl after she leapt to her friend’s defence. This is a very saddening and disturbing incidence for everyone especially other young adults and enough attention is not brought towards this. This incident can easily instil fear in other young female adults and cause a traumatic experience for those who witnessed or heard about this incidence.
The impact of violence is multifaceted and can lead to immediate physical harm and prolonged term psychological trauma. Young adults are seeing going through depression and unable to speak up because they are being threatened by their internet sexual. Young girls are being lured into sending explicit picture of themselves and being threatened if they do not send more of these pictures. Victims may suffer from chronic anxiety, depression, and a sense of worthlessness. The ripple effects extend to their academic performance and career progression and ability to form healthy relationships in the future.
Understanding the root and causes of violence is essential for effective intervention. Societal and cultural influences cannot be overstated. In many cultures, aggressive or dominant behaviour is often glorified and inadvertently promoting violence. Unfortunately, speaking about the norms and attitudes that condone violence against women is still a critical issue to address. Toxic masculinity can be responsible for the development of an aggressive behaviour pattern within young men. Being in a relationship causes financial stress, which ultimately leads to a conflict between couples. Younger people are more prone to instability within the economy. Furthermore, traditional views about gender roles can contribute to power imbalances in relationships and leading to abuse, on a personal level and young adults with a history of witnessing domestic violence or being victims of abuse in their childhood are at a higher risk of perpetuating or experiencing violence in their relationships. Mental health issues and substance abuse also play a significant role, often exacerbating conflicts and leading to violent outburst.
Conclusion
Violence in young adult relationships is a grave issue that has long-lasting impacts on individuals and society. Addressing relationship violence among young adults requires a multifaceted approach. Making people aware of various signs and symptoms of abusive relationships can help in preventing such behaviours among individuals. This is why making relationship education a part of the school curriculum is very important. The legal actions
should be implemented, and the victims must be protected from such wrongdoings. It is important to have policies that offer safe places and legal aids.
Another way that has the potential to establish effective interactions between people belonging to different genders and teach respect for one another. It is equally important to get the support of boys and men in combating gender inequality to overcome these unforeseen issues. Victims, and survivors should both have access to mental health and support services. By fostering an environment of respect and empathy and understanding, we can help young adults build healthy and fulfilling relationships.
