“You’re Never Really Safe”: Exploring UK Mothers’ and Young Women's Perceptions of Sexual Violence Risk

Studies exploring perception-based sexual violence risk across the United Kingdom are limited, but research that examines how mothers consider their daughter's risk is even more uncommon. This interview-based study compared the experiences of 10 mothers with 10 young women based in the United Kingdom to understand their perceived sexual violence risk, and how they manage such risks. Findings indicate conflicting ideas of risk perception, yet similarities across risk management strategies, and concerns over the UK government's ability to respond to sexual violence. Prevalence of sexual violence fear, current flaws within policy, and the importance of further studying the mother-daughter dyad are highlighted.