The Change Up Project: Using Social Norming Theory with Young People to Address Domestic Abuse and Promote Healthy Relationships

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of a secondary analysis of data collected during a pilot project, Change Up, which used a social<br/ >norming approach (SNA) to address domestic violence and abuse (DVA) with young people aged 13–14. A SNA is based upon a<br/ >well-articulated theory of behavior and evidence-basedmethodology for addressing social justice issues. This reflects a paradigm<br/ >shift focusing upon strengths and positives, rather than pathologizing behaviors. Adopting a SNA, the Change Up project<br/ >comprised a baseline survey followed by the intervention (workshop and peer-to-peer campaign), ending with a postintervention<br/ >survey. It was delivered in two high schools in a UK city between 2015 and 16. A secondary analysis of the survey<br/ >data collected during the surveys and qualitative data collected at the end of each workshop was undertaken and this is reported<br/ >here. Change Up data illustrates that most young people in the sample thought that DVA is unacceptable. There was, however, a<br/ >gender difference in the norms held about the social acceptability of girls using physical violence against boys (and vice versa).<br/ >The analysis of Change Up data indicates that a social norming approach to DVA programs aimed at young people can be<br/ >successful in promoting attitude and behavior change. It also highlights a continuing need for young people’s education about<br/ >relationships and gender equality.