Dating Violence

Overview

The Dating Violence project is a mixed methods study that aims to develop an intervention to improve the mental health effects associated with experiencing dating violence among adolescents and young people (aged 15 to 24) in India. A part of this study is pursuing a doctoral degree at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK.

Rationale

Dating violence is a form of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) that emerges in adolescence between two people in a dating relationship and includes physical violence, sexual violence, psychological aggression, and stalking. Experiencing dating violence can cause physical injuries and deaths, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), common mental disorders, substance abuse, eating disorders, and suicidal behaviors. It affects all genders– although the severity and types of violence tend to be different. Finally, being exposed to dating violence creates a cycle – young people who experience violence in intimate relationships are at higher risk of IPV in their subsequent relationships

Progress till date

A web-based intervention, based on the contextual understanding of dating violence among adolescents young people in India is being developed. The research conducted so far includes: 

• 50+ interviews and 2 Focus Group Discussions with college students, teachers, counsellors in colleges in Goa.

• A pan-India survey of 1500+ adolescents and young people between 18-24 years on dating violence, mental health issues, and substance use.

• A systematic review on dating violence in Low and Middle-Income Countries (PROSPERO registration: CRD42021267236) 

Output

‘The Adventures of Monkey Dori’ is an interactive graphic novel-style game inspired by the classic Panchtantra tales, where players will choose the actions of the main character (Monkey Dori) to increase their awareness about unhealthy and abusive behaviors that are normalised in dating relationships. The game also provides tools to make healthier decisions, communicate emotions better, and resolve conflicts respectfully. We have tested a prototype of this game with 300 young people aged 18-24 years.

Partner/s

London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK