During the teenage years, young people are influenced by a huge array of factors, which can increase vulnerability and risk. These can include; puberty and hormonal changes, wanting increased autonomy from family, peer pressure, body image and self-esteem issues, the influence of the media, an increased capacity for cognitive reasoning etc.

Teenage relationship abuse is when there is actual or threatened abuse within a romantic relationship or a former relationship. One partner will try to maintain power and control over the other. This abuse can take a number of forms: physical, sexual, financial, emotional or social. This includes coercive and controlling behaviour. The current UK definition of domestic violence includes incidences between people aged 16 or over, but it is important to note that violence and abuse can occur in relationships between children and young people at any age. This can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse:

• psychological

• physical

• sexual

• financial

• emotional

‘Controlling behaviour is: a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour. ‘Coercive behaviour is: an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.”

In April 2013 the domestic violence definition was strengthened to include coercive and controlling behaviour and to include victims aged 16 and over. Teenage relationship abuse is covered by existing laws on specific offences like sexual assault, grievous bodily harm, stalking, and murder. It is covered through civil law to protect the victim/survivor and criminal law to punish the perpetrator. Many young people do not recognise abusive behaviour; education can help to prevent domestic abuse.

Research indicates that both young men and women may not understand what constitutes a healthy relationship. The research project - Boys to Men found that 49% of boys and 33% of girls aged 13 – 14 thought that hitting a partner would be ‘okay’ in at least one of twelve scenarios they were presented with. Our project is a focused on what constitutes a healthy relationship and supports young people who want to leave a relationship but feel unable to because of fear or retribution.

We would like to thank the BBC Children in Need for funding the teenage domestic abuse project please see link below:

https://www.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/projects/the-safer-luton-partnership/

​For agency and self-referrals please contact Joan Bailey on: 01582 480770 or Email joan.bailey@theslp.co.uk