22 August 2011

Home Office launches new Teenage Relationship Abuse campaign

The aim of the campaign is to prevent teenagers from becoming victims and perpetrators of abusive relationships. Teenagers will be encouraged to re-think their views of violence, abuse or controlling behaviour in relationships and direct them to places for help and advice.

The Core messages of the campaign are:

•Abuse in relationships is not normal or acceptable – if you are in an abusive relationship it’s not your fault and you do not have to stand for it.

•It’s not just physical violence, like punching or kicking, that makes a relationship abusive – if you are threatened with violence, have no say over what you wear or who you see or speak to, or are constantly criticised it is sill abuse.

•Abuse is never OK – blaming abuse on anger, jealousy, alcohol or the other person’s behaviour is not acceptable.

•Help is available – if you need some support getting out of an abusive relationship or just want to talk to someone visit – http://thisisabuse.direct.gov.uk/

The primary audience are young people aged 13-18 but parents, carers and teachers will also be directed to information that helps them address the subject and support their teenagers. A leaflet aimed specifically at parents and carers which will help them to spot abuse in teen relationships and signposts organisations that can provide further help and advice has been produced.

Further information will is available for parents and carers on the Directgov website

Supporting materials for teachers are also available on the Home Office website