Experiencing physical or psychological violence can cause serious harm, especially when the victim depends on the perpetrator. The effects can ripple through the lives of victims, perpetrators, their loved ones and future generations. The Violence in Relations of Dependency research group aims to reduce this impact, prevent recurrence and empower victims to prioritise their safety.
Dependence can arise in various situations, such as children relying on parents, patients depending on healthcare providers and students seeking guidance from teachers. While these relationships are usually healthy, they may also lead to power abuse through manipulation or violence. The research group seeks to understand these dynamics better to create tailored safety measures for those affected.
The research focuses on 3 types of violence in dependency relationships:
- In families: Including child abuse, honor-based violence, domestic violence and elder abuse.
- By professionals and within institutions: Occurring in contexts like religious organisations, healthcare, the justice system and education.
- Human trafficking: Involving practices like the loverboy technique and exploitation in prostitution.