‘…Because Apparently, You're a Child? …’ Delivering Effective Support for Teenagers Living in Refuges

Refuges have been central to UK domestic violence service provision since the 1970s. Studies have often focused on the needs of adult women, with little examination of the position of teenagers. This study aimed to redress this via staff interviews and repeat interviews using participatory methods with 20 teenagers in England. There was a tension between experiences of being treated as competent adults or as vulnerable children, and ambiguity of status. In addition to the transition of adolescence, teenagers experienced other transitions such as relocation, moving significant geographical distances, and changes to education, friendships and family. Teenagers’ specific needs were rarely catered for. They wanted help, support and advice, and freedom from refuge restrictions. Recognition of the distinct aspects of adolescence can inform a model of support. This chapter concludes that teenagers should be recognised as service users in their own right and identifies ways to support teenagers more effectively.