After all, what factors can lead to violence between teens and young couples?
Adolescence and youth are unique moments. Not only because we cross it only once, but also because of what they represent. We have entered into preparation for adulthood and many exciting new worlds are opening up. Like romantic relationships. That’s when we started having a romantic interest in other people and forming relationships that were different from the ones we were used to until then.
- However.
- These relationships are not exempt in some cases from physical or verbal abuse.
- Unfortunately.
- At this critical stage of life it is important to know the factors that can promote violence in adolescents and young couples.
- So that the problem can be addressed earlier.
- It gets worse.
“For a world in which we are socially equal, humanly different and totally free. -Rose Luxembourg-
Among the many variables that can increase the risk of onset or increase in violence between adolescents and young couples, social and cultural factors need to be taken into account, the truth is that much of society still sees violence as a valid tool to achieve a goal, while there is another part where, fortunately, sensitivity is growing and that it agrees that violence must be condemned.
Moreover, traditional cultural beliefs that mark and separate the roles of men and women mean that the former tend to engage in violence and the latter to apologize, in this way it is possible to foster tolerant attitudes towards gender-based violence and victimization. As a woman.
Despite this, when analyzing patterns of relationship between young people and adolescents, we also see violent behaviors in girls, although they decrease in adulthood, that would use these kinds of behaviors to deal with insecurity and anger, while boys would use it to reaffirm masculinity and exercise control over the other person.
“I encourage all men and boys on all sides to come together to us. Gender-based violence will only be eradicated when we all refuse to tolerate it. “
As for interpersonal factors, it is worth noting those affecting the family and the group of colleagues, it has traditionally been assumed that when there are situations of abuse (whether couples or children) in the family nucleus, it is easier to engage in violence. between teenage and young couples. On the other hand, what the investigation tells us is that it is right, a third of those involved in violence have this kind of training.
Due to this data, the exposure and observation of such behaviors in couples in their groups of friends was also took into account. When this happens, the cultural idea that violence is justified and necessary in certain situations is perpetuated. In fact, people are part of an important social group for them, which validates (or at least does not condemn) violent behavior.
Finally, it is necessary to consider the personal factors that influence the practice of violence, a condition to consider is whether aggression has been carried out in previous relationships, which increases the chances of it happening again.
On the other hand, in this line were found more risk factors, insecurity, jealousy, addiction, impulsivity and / or lack of social skills to face conflicts are some, alcohol and drug abuse can also play an important role in this problem.
The truth is that, like most behaviors that we can encompass, violence between adolescents and young couples is a complex phenomenon, not only is it a factor that leads to this situation, but the real risk usually arises when there is interaction or addition. It is precisely for this reason that it is important to develop prevention programmes that work in all areas involved and that prevent violence from appearing, validated and eventually standardized.
“Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent. ” Isaac Asimov
Images courtesy of Adrian Sava, Alexis Brown and Tr N Toan.