Help for Local Teens in Abusive Relationships

The Royal Borough is this month supporting a national campaign to highlight the problems of abuse in teenage relationships.

The campaign – aimed at 13-to-18-year-olds – highlights the signs and consequences of abuse in teenage relationships and challenges young people to stop abusive behaviour or seek help.

The campaign features posters, radio and television adverts all aiming to empower young people to make the decision to avoid violent and controlling behaviour by encouraging them to recognise abuse; reflect on the consequences of their actions; and seek help if required. It also highlights the issue of abuse in relationships to parents and carers and encourages them to talk to teenagers about their relationships. The adverts run from 15 February to 14 March.

The Royal Borough is encouraging any young person who is in an abusive relationship as either a perpetrator or a victim to seek help.  A leaflet aimed at 13-19-year-olds has been developed across Berkshire East and is available to download from: http://www.rbwmdvf.org.uk/public/Loves_me_loves_me_not_-_Berks_East_leaflet2.pdf

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for community safety, said: “Abusive, violent or controlling relationships are not normal and are not acceptable in the Royal Borough. The person or persons carrying out the abuse is the person who is responsible for their behaviour and breaking the law, not the victim.  We cannot tolerate this behaviour.

“Parents and carers can also look out for warning signs of abuse and violence in teenage relationships.  

“If you are worried that your child or someone you care for is in an abusive relationship, speak to them about it and help them understand that there is help available and what the consequences of the abusive behaviour may be.”

Research published in 2009 by the NSPCC revealed that young people have surprisingly tolerant views on the acceptability of violence in relationships and that violence is shockingly prevalent in teenage relationships.

Sophie Wing-King, Berkshire East domestic abuse co-ordinator, said: “These results, whilst worrying, are potentially less entrenched so there may still be time to influence teenagers and this campaign will help.

“Evidence also shows that coercive and controlling behaviour is more likely to escalate into violence and lead to repeat instances of violence, so it is important to try to break this pattern before young people become repeat victims and offenders.”

To view the Home Office publicity, visit http://the-lounge.rkcryr.com, (click on the image to access) user name: Press_Launch, password: HO_Press and to view the campaign’s website visit: www.direct.gov.uk/thisisabuse.