The Dating Violence project aims to improve the mental health effects associated with experiencing dating violence among adolescents and young people (aged 15 to 24) in India.

Dating violence is a form of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) that occurs between two people in a close relationship, and includes physical violence, sexual violence, psychological aggression and stalking. Instances of dating violence typically emerge in early adolescence and include emotional abuse, controlling behaviours and threats, physical violence, coerced and non-consensual sexual activities, and sexual abuse.

At present, the study is in its formative stage, where, using mixed methods, a contextual understanding of dating violence among adolescents and young people in India (aged 18 to 24 years) is being developed. This stage of the study is in pursuit of a doctoral degree at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK. The research conducted so far includes:

•  50+ interviews and 2 Focus Group Discussions with college students, teachers, counsellors in colleges in Goa.
• A pan-India survey of 1500+ adolescents and young people between 18-24 years on dating violence, mental health issues, and substance use among.
• A systematic review on dating violence in Low and Middle Income Countries (PROSPERO registration)