Getting Support for young domestic abuse
This toolkit is for teachers, youth facilitators, and community groups working with young people.
This toolkit introduces and explores the difficult issue of domestic abuse in young relationships. It helps young people to identify different kinds of domestic abuse, the impact of this on children, and a better understanding of healthy relationships. It teaches how to recognize warning signs, how to get help, and how to support a friend.
We have created a film and workshops which Child Abuse Review commented:
'It really can save lives' .
Why we created this toolkit? - the evidence about young domestic abuse
Below showcases the evidence surrounding domestic abuse. We wish to diminish these issues and help as much as we can.
- 'In a cross-sectional UK study of almost 1500 13–16-year-olds, 25% of females reported that a partner had pushed, slapped, hit or held them down on one or more occasions.'
- Teenagers and single parents have the highest risk of domestic abuse.
- 'Dating & Relationship Violence victimization may be becoming normalized and is of significant public health importance for young people in England and Wales.'
The free toolkit
As part of a 30-minute film, a story has been documented that is based on a character called Kim who lives with her abusive boyfriend and their young child. It's accompanied by five 2-hour workshops with activities based around the film's characters.
Reviews:
Engaging
- "An exciting, interactive way to approach a complex and sensitive issue"
Safe
- "Allows viewers to talk about the experiences of the characters rather than having to disclose personal experiences"
Realistic & Relevant
- "Gritty, realistic, and hard-hitting view of domestic violence ... there is no dancing around the issues"
- "Unlike some other resources on this topic, the film accurately reflects the culture and pressures of teenage life"
Workshop activities around young domestic abuse
The toolkit contains workshop activities based around the characters including:
- the actions of the perpetrator
- the emotions of the victim
- the experiences of the child
- the role of friends and bystanders
- common myths and stereotypes about abuse in teenage relationships
The film also tackles the difficult topic of children's social care and sees Kim attending a case conference.
