Research Projects
Promoting Safe Adolescent Relationships: A Cross Disciplinary Coproduced Approach
Funder: UCL Grand Challenge of Mental Health and Wellbeing
Adolescent intimate partner violence is a major yet under-recognised risk factor for poor mental health, and we still know little about what makes some young people more or less likely to develop safe relationships. This project seeks to better understand these individual differences. Working in partnership with schools, young people, and mental health professionals, it explores how personality, social context, and support systems shape vulnerability and resilience, to inform strategies that promote safe relationships among young people.
Childhood Maltreatment And Later Intimate Partner Violence Victimization: Estimating Causal Effects And Shared Risk Factors
Funder: British Academy SRG2223\231404
Victims of childhood maltreatment are at risk of experiencing intimate partner violence later in life, and we do not yet fully understand why. In particular, we do not know whether being maltreated can cause some people to enter relationships that put them at risk of more harm, or if the same risk factors increase risk of childhood maltreatment and intimate partner violence, and this is what causes revictimisation. This project aims to clarify if childhood maltreatment can have a causal effect on later intimate partner violence when considering the genetic and environmental risk factors common to both events. To address this research question, we analyse large population- based datasets (the Twin Early Development Study and the UK Biobank) using methods that take into account genetic differences between people.
Developing Healthy Intimate Relationships After Adverse Childhood Experiences
Funder: NIHR UCLH Biomedical Research Centre, BRC1140/PPI/PP/104990
Individuals who experienced childhood maltreatment often face challenges in forming healthy intimate relationships. Interventions that help promote relationship well-being are not always available or effective. Through collaboration with third-sector organizations, this project aims to establish a partnership with experts by experience and co-develop research on preventing intimate partner violence. This partnership will enable a better understanding of relationship challenges among individuals who experienced childhood maltreatment, as well as identifying research gaps and strategies that may drive meaningful change in their lives.
Our Sponsors
