Being a young political actor: Reflections with young domestic abuse survivors from the frontline of transformative participation

In spite of progress with enhancing children’s participation, there is a continued reluctance to involve children and young people in policymaking and recognise them as political actors. This is challenged by the activism of young survivors of domestic abuse in Scotland, involved for over 12 years across numerous projects that have substantially impacted domestic abuse policy. This ‘In Conversation’ piece between two young survivors and two adults involved in these projects calls for greater synergy between political, participatory and therapeutic processes to transform political spaces and enable action. Children and young people need encouragement to speak out, to have control over their stories, to have fun and support; young political actors require status as problem-solvers, valuing their lived experience in contributing to policymaking. The chapter concludes by arguing that politicians have a responsibility to ensure that the marginalised actors they engage can claim (and regain) power and control within political spaces working together to co-create political ‘space for action’.