Talking Point - Do teenagers recognise the signs of an abusive relationship?

Abuse in teenage relationships is growing. The NSPCC's first major study of domestic violence among young people shows that a quarter of girls aged 13 and 17 have suffered some kind of physical abuse in relationships. And it's not just girls who fall victim to abuse. The same study showed that 18 per cent of young men had been physically abused in a relationship. The government has now launched a £2m advertising campaign to raise awareness of violence and abuse in young people's relationships.

Young people may not realise that what they are experiencing in a relationship is abuse, so it's important for them to recognise the signs. How much do young people know about abusive relationships? Ask young people to consider what abuse is. Is it being hit by your partner? What about being sworn at aggressively or being intimidated? What if your partner has complete control over you? Talk about the different forms of abuse and recognise it can be both physical and emotional. It should be remembered that although emotional abuse doesn't leave visible scars, it can be just as damaging. How can young people spot the signs of abuse in others? Talk about how relationship abuse might affect someone's behaviour and consider how a young person who is experiencing abuse might feel.