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What do we mean by domestic abuse in young people’s relationships?

The government definition of domestic violence and abuse changed in 2013 to include young people aged 16 and 17, extending the definition increased awareness that young people in this age group experience domestic violence and abuse, and encouraged more young people to come forward and access support. However, younger children can also be affected. Young people causing harm have the capacity to change.

Domestic abuse in young people’s relationships can include: 

• physical throwing objects, hitting, slapping, and pulling hair
• sexual making someone do sexual acts they don’t want to; 
• emotional telling someone how to dress, how to do make up, putting pressure on them to send nude photos
• financial controlling someone’s money, taking their benefits, allowance or wages; and abuse through technology
• psychological harassing or stalking someone through the internet or phone such as tracking their location or sharing pictures of them online without their consent

Recognising the signs something might not be ok in a young person’s relationship with another young person:

Emotional and behavioural changes that may indicate a relationship behaviour of concern could include:

• becoming more self-critical for example having no self-belief in how they look
• how they dress or act, giving up their own opinions and thinking their partner is always right
• problems eating or sleeping or having headaches
• seeming to be scared of their partner’s reactions
• becoming more isolated. seeing less of their families and friends
• stopping going to school or college.
• and physical signs of harm such as bruising and scratches

Physical and emotional safety is one of the biggest considerations both during and after experiencing domestic abuse. When a parent or carer and child have not had the consistent experience of feeling physically or emotionally safe, secure and protected, survival and coping skills can be developed in order to increase feelings of safety and control.

This scheme enables the police to release information about any previous history of violence or abuse a person might have.

Under Clare's Law you can:

• apply for information about your current or ex-partner because you're worried they may have a history of abuse and are a risk to you
• request information about the current or ex-partner of a friend or relative because you're worried they might be at risk

The Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme (CSODS) lets you formally ask the police whether someone who has contact with a child or children:

• has a record for child sexual (paedophile) offences
• poses a risk to the child or children for some other reason

It's not a law, but it is sometimes called 'Sarah's Law'. It gives guidance on how you can ask us to use our existing police powers to share information about sex offenders.

If you’re worried about someone’s behaviour towards a child, or something you've seen, heard or been told, you can use Sarah's Law to find out if that person is a risk.

You must apply for information about a specific person and a specific child or children they spend time with. You cannot apply for general information about child sex offenders.

Request to West Mercia police: 

 recognises the need to provide a safe and caring environment for children, young people and adults and risk. They acknowledge that children, young people and adults at risk can be the victims of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, and neglect. 

have specialist teams who can support children and young people who have witnessed or been subject to domestic abuse and young people who’ve been sexually assaulted. They also provide a programme for families which helps where young people are abusive to their parents or siblings.

NSPCC:

Refuge:

National centre for domestic abuse:

Safer lives for young people: 

National domestic abuse helpline:

Digital support from protecting the victims of domestic violence and their family from the moment they decide to leave up until they’re at a safe place.

For deaf and hard of hearing: 

Economic abuse:

 offers confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic violence from a partner or ex-partner (or from other family members). They help by giving you time to tell your story; offering emotional support; providing practical advice; signposting you to other services for specialist help.

 provides an information, support and signposting service to men suffering from domestic abuse from their current or former wife, partner (including same-sex partner) or husband. This can range from physical violence or object throwing to abuse such as constant bullying or insults.

is yours – a free, private and confidential service where you can talk about anything. We’re here for you online, on the phone, anytime.