Intersectionality and Adolescent Domestic Violence and Abuse: addressing ‘classed sexism’ and improving service provision.

This study explores agency pathways and the management of risk for economically disadvantaged adolescent victims and perpetrators of domestic violence and abuse (DVA). In spite of recent national and international initiatives to raise the profile of this issue, significant gaps within DVA services exist within an urban district situated in the North West of England, UK. The study presents qualitative data gathered from service-users and service managers who have knowledge of referral pathways within the district. The article examines the discursive relationships between the context, the intersectional significance of age, gender and class and the high levels of risk for survivors and perpetrators. The limitations of current service provision for survivors and for perpetrators is addressed, limitations which are clearly at odds with national and international efforts to prevent violence against women and girls. The article considers the macroeconomic legacy of neoliberalism, suggesting that investing in targeted early educational approaches, young person focused programmes and appropriate training for statutory services is crucial for minimizing risk. Although the study is limited by a lack of participation from perpetrators, the data reveals concerning levels of risk, a reduction in funding pathways and a need for early intervention to address the intersectional violence of classed sexism