[Discourses on violence against women by young people and professionals in Spain: PositivMasc project]

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the discourses of young people and professionals on violence against women and to explore possible strategies for its prevention in Spain.

Method: Qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with 16 young people (18-24 years old) and 23 professionals working in violence against women prevention. A discourse analysis was carried out to identify the main interpretative repertoires.

Results: The four interpretative repertoires of this study reflect how young people perceive physical violence in the domestic sphere as the most visible type of violence against women. In their discourses, both young men and women describe the bidirectional nature of intimate partner violence. The allusion to the responsibility of social agents in the perpetuation of violence against women emerges. Finally, young people and professionals emphasize the key role of boys in the prevention of violence against women.

Conclusions: Physical violence continues to be the main type of violence perceived by the young population, but most girls were able to identify other more subtle and normalized forms of violence. Social agents have a strong influence on the imaginary of violence against women in the young population. Finally, future strategies against violence against women must involve young men in community-based strategies that work to promote positive and egalitarian attitudes and relationships.

Keywords: Adultos jóvenes; Battered Women; Investigación cualitativa; Mujer maltratada; Professional role; Qualitative research; Rol profesional; Young adult.