Socialt nätverk: en skyddsfaktor eller en riskfaktor?

Sammanfattning: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major social problem and complex subject with a lack of research. Youths are a particularly vulnerable group when it comes to IPV. A larger risk of exposure and experience of violence during the teenage years may contribute to a larger risk of violent relationships in the future. It is therefore important to notice, educate and prevent violence at an early stage. This study intends to clarify young people's experiences of violence in close relationships as well as their access and attitude to support from both professionals and relatives. Furthermore, the study aims to develop knowledge about possible contributing factors to young people's experiences with violence in close relationships, such as their social networks. This is to illustrate the potential need for developed support efforts. To illustrate the occurrence of IPV among youths we sent out a survey to high school students in Sweden and got 105 responses. The empirical material has been analyzed based on previous research and two theories: attachment theory and social learning theory. The majority of the students have previous experience with violence. Throughout the processing and analyzing of the data a connection between the previous experience of violence in the social network and the youth’s own IPV could be stated. The study also enlightens the importance of a good and healthy social network to prevent IPV. The youth’s social network is also meaningful for the ability to seek help, both within the network and from professionals.