Gendered violence in UK teenage relationships

Continuing research tells us that gendered teen violence is a real and growing problem for young people in the UK. I was listening to ‘All in the mind’ BBC radio 4 on 31/5/11 to a report on research carried out by Dr Christine Barter at Bristol University. It was saddening to hear the testimonies of young girls, some as young as 13, talking about the violence and intimidation they had experience by their boyfriends, almost always older, and of the enormous difficulties they had in accepting there was a problem and prioritising their safety. Most agreed that at the time they were unable to see what was happening to them as something wrong. Issues of self-worth were mixed with a normalization of violence in  modern UK society.

We might be mindful of this phenomenon when consulting with young girls over contraception and sexual health.  

I wonder what others think and if anyone has something else to add on this subject?

 More information can be found at

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime/violence-against-women-girls/teenage-relationship-abuse/

http://bristol.ac.uk/sps/aboutus/sps-staff-details/barter/ Dr Christine Barter

This week we are preparing for the memorial service to commemorate the life and work of Dr Ann McPherson in Oxford on Friday 10^th. It  has been good to see the obituaries in the BMJ and the broadsheets as well as coverage from RCGP Chair Clare Gerada. She led a remarkably full life andher legacy to us is rich.

I will update the blog after the service.  

Best wishes

Jane