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.
Why?
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.
‘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
Warning Signs
• 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
Abuse is never okay
It 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.
What are the positives
about being in a relationship?
Respect
Give and Take
Friendship
Discussion
Support
Freedom
Trust
Understanding
Kindness
Caring
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.
Thanks for listening
Don’t forget, if you want more information or
advice, visit:
www.hertssunflower.org
www.thisisabuse.direct.gov.uk