Spotlight on abusive teenage relationships

Published 4 Mar 2010 16:00 0 Comments

THE SPOTLIGHT will fall on abusive teenage relationships this month.

The Royal Borough is supporting a national campaign aimed at 13 to 18-year-olds that highlights the problems youngsters might encounter.

Posters, radio and television adverts will be used in a bid to empower young people to make the decision to avoid violent and controlling behaviour and to encouraging them to recognise abuse; reflect on the consequences of their actions; and seek help if required.

Lead member for community safety, Cllr Colin Rayner, 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."

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."

The Royal Borough is also encouraging young people who might be in a abusive relationship to dowload a leaflet from

www.rbwmdvf.org.uk/public/Loves_me_loves_me_not_-_Berks_East_leaflet2.pdf

Cllr Rayner added: "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."

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