Citation

Kennedy AC. Violence Against Women 2005; 11(12): 1490-1514.

Affiliation

Michigan State University, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1077801205280274

PMID

16247113

Abstract

Using a risk and resilience approach grounded in a multicultural feminist perspective, this qualitative study explores 10 urban adolescent mothers' experiences with multiple forms of violence, the relationships between violence and school, and their resilience, all within the context of welfare reforms. The findings suggest lives rife with simultaneous, often severe violence, the impacts of witnessing parental violence, linkages between family and partner violence, and cumulative violence exposure as a barrier to positive school outcomes. Several young women emerge as resilient, with five distinct factors conceptualized as contributing to resilience. In conclusion, the implications for welfare policies and programs are discussed.