Our Stories
The Our Stories study aims to hear the stories of young people who have experienced challenges during childhood or adolescence. The study is exploring how a variety of challenges such as the death or illness of a family member, experiences of family and community violence, and discrimination based on race, ethnicity or sexual identity affect health, wellbeing and relationships in young adult life.
What is already known?
Australian research shows that:
3 in 5 children experience adversity in childhood
1 in 3 children experience family violence between their caregivers
1 in 5 children experience a major mental health problem in late primary school
2 in 5 adolescents experienced mental health difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What this study adds
The Our Stories study is exploring how young people who have experienced childhood adversity navigate their health, wellbeing, and relationships, as they transition into young adult life. Young people participating in the study were offered the choice of an interview or taking part via an online written testimonial or uploading a voice memo.
What’s next
We anticipate sharing results of this study in a variety of formats in 2026.
Where can I read more?
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Call to Action #1 Breaking intergenerational cycles of trauma and family violence
Current approaches to prevention of family violence, early intervention and crisis support are failing to safeguard the longer-term mental health and wellbeing of women, children and young people impacted by family violence.
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Policy Brief #3
Young people’s experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic
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Policy Brief #4
Young people’s mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic
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What factors are associated with resilient outcomes in children exposed to social adversity? A systematic review
Gartland D, Riggs E, Muyeen S, Giallo R, Afifi TO, MacMillan H, Herrman H, Bulford E, Brown SJ. BMJ Open;2019;9:e024870.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has been really challenging for young people
Watch our short animation to find out what it was like for young people aged 14-17 during Victoria's second lockdown.
Who can I contact for more information?
Rowena Coe
Ali Fogarty