With 75 per cent of girls and 50 per cent of boys reporting that they have experienced some form of emotional abuse, the TV, cinema, outdoor and online advertising campaign helps teenagers recognise abusive behaviour at an early stage, before it escalates to physical violence.
The adverts point young people to the ‘This is abuse’ campaign website where they can find information, seek help and chat with their peers.
The site is designed to encourage sharing of the campaign materials across social networks and will also host live web chats with experts.
The first of live web chat takes place tomorrow, 2 September at 5pm.
Challenge abusive behaviour
Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone said: ‘Although teenage romances can often be short lived, we know that sometimes, they can be just as intense and important as adult relationships. In extreme cases they can also fall foul of the same pitfalls and dangers. That’s why it is so important to ensure young people develop healthy relationships and know where to go for support when things go wrong.
‘We need to challenge the attitudes and behaviours that foster an acceptance of abusive relationships by intervening as early as possible. Bringing the issue out in the open will help teenagers feel confident to challenge abusive behaviour when they experience it or see it.’
