Relationships are known to be vitally important for development, particularly in adolescence. Transcripts of semistructured interviews of 24 adolescent mothers who had experienced interpersonal violence (IPV) were analyzed to explore the effects of IPV on their important relationships. Mothers described feelings of loneliness and isolation; fears about trusting others; early and sometimes overwhelming family responsibilities; and disconnection from potential family support, as well as relationships with protective adults. These narratives captured during a critical developmental juncture reveal the influence that IPV has on young mothers' most important relationships and some of the attendant relational processes within these relationships. Findings suggest that shifting focus to the health of these relationships opens up innovative avenues for intervention with adolescent mothers.
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