What is True Love?

That’s an age old philosophical question…

But for the purposes of this presentation, ‘True Love?’ is a campaign aimed at raising awareness of abuse within relationships – particularly between young people.

What is Domestic Abuse?Domestic Abuse – or Domestic Violence as it is also known, might suggest two adults in a relationship, one abusing the other. But the term goes much wider than that.

It can happen to anyone, regardless of age, class, race, religion, gender or intelligence.

True Love?

The thrill of a relationship… meeting someone you really like and dating them for the first time. It should be amazing and exciting.

But according to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), growing numbers of young people are finding themselves in abusive relationships.

According to the British Crime Survey, teenagers are now more at risk of domestic abuse than any other age group. And if they are abused, they are unlikely to report it.

Why?

‘Relationship Abuse’• Emotional – humiliation, putting you down

• Physical - Hitting, punching, pushing, biting, kicking

• Sexual – forcing you to do sexual acts

• Financial – taking your money or forcing you to buy things

Warning Signs

• Checking your phone or email • Constantly putting you down

• Showing extreme jealousy or insecurity

• Having an explosive temper

• Isolating you from friends and family

• Making false accusations

• Having mood swings

• Physically hurting you in any way

• Being possessive

• Telling you what to do/what to wear/controlling who you see

Warning Signs

Abuse is never okayIt can destroy your self confidence.

It can have a negative impact on your health and wellbeing.

It can leave you feeling isolated and lonely.

In a healthy relationship both partners treat each other with respect.

Respect Give and Take Friendship Discussion Support Freedom Trust Understanding Kindness Caring

What are the positives about being in a relationship?

Other Kinds of Abuse

Young people can also be affected by:

• Abuse happening between adults at home

• Cyber abuse – a partner making threats to use or actually using social networks to humiliate or blackmail you

Help?There are many organisations out there who can give confidential and sensitive advice and support.

• You can visit www.hertssunflower.org for information and contacts.

• Ring Childline on 0800 1111.

• You can also visit www.thisisabuse.direct.gov.uk to see more examples of relationship abuse and for more information.

Always be vigilant• Abusers have been known to form relationships with

younger people to manipulate them, sometimes using drugs, alcohol or gifts to gain their trust.

• Abusers have been known to lie about their identities on social networking sites to ‘groom’ young people.

For more information, visit www.barnados.org.uk/cutthemfree. You can also contact Victim Support on 0845 456 5995 or visit www.victimsupport.org.uk.

Don’t forget, if you want more information or advice, visit:

www.hertssunflower.org

www.thisisabuse.direct.gov.uk

Thanks for listening