Evidence of associations between intimate partner violence and abuse (IPVA) and poor mental and physical health is increasing.

However, we do not know much about IPVA in young adult relationships, particularly in the UK, or whether things like gender or a history of abuse in childhood make mental and physical health problems more likely.

This is important because this knowledge can help to identify groups of people who may benefit most from interventions to prevent future health problems.

In this study, we will:

1. look at data on IPVA experiences in 21 year olds, that we have already collected as part of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), also known as the ‘Children of the 90’s’ study

1. interview up to 45 young adults (aged 18–25) to explore their experiences of IPVA and the reasons they feel this has made their health better or worse.

The two types of analyses will complement each other and provide an unprecedented detailed investigation of the causes and health consequences of IPVA in young adults.

Integrating the two approaches will enable us to triangulate findings. The findings will inform policy and the design of public health and clinical interventions for people exposed to IPVA in adolescent and early adult relationships.

Funding

This study is funded by the Medical Research Council.