North Wales supports Teen Relationship Abuse
Campaign
13/02/2013
North Wales Police and partners are supporting
a national campaign aimed at raising awareness of abusive
relationships.
Led by the Home Office, the Teenage
Relationship Abuse Campaign, which is aimed at preventing young
people from becoming victims and perpetrators of abuse, is being
re-launched to encourage them to re-think their views of violence,
abuse or controlling behaviour in relationships and directs them to
places for help and advice.
The campaign will be targeting girls and boys
aged 13 to 18-years-old. It will also seek to reach parents and
carers who may become aware of an abusive relationship.
Detective Superintendent John Hanson from
North Wales Police’ Public Protection Unit said: “By supporting
this national campaign, North Wales Police is sending out a message
of reassurance – that we and other organisations are here to offer
help, advice and support to any young person who finds him or
herself suffering violence or abuse.
“Any form of abuse in a relationship is
unacceptable – be it physical or psychological. Young people need
to know that if they are in an abusive situation help and guidance
is available. No one should suffer in silence or feel afraid to
speak out. It is also important to make young people aware that if
they know of someone else being abused or abusing that they should
not be afraid to speak out.
He added: “By working closely with our
partners young people can be confident we will always take
seriously - and investigate thoroughly - any reports and we will
take the strongest action possible against perpetrators.”
Jenny Williams, Director of Social Services,
Conwy County Borough Council and the Regional Lead for Safeguarding
said, “Local Authorities in North Wales welcome the campaign to
raise awareness about this very serious issue, which is on the
increase. By working closely together, agencies can make sure young
people have access to the right help and advice should they need it
at any time.”
Paula Hardy, Chief Executive of Welsh Women's
Aid, said: “Welsh Women's Aid welcomes the Home Office's decision
to re-run its campaign aiming at preventing abuse in teenage
relationships. Statistics show that 16- and 17-year-old girls are
the most at-risk of experiencing domestic abuse from a partner or
ex-partner. This abuse includes not only physical violence but also
controlling behaviour, psychological, emotional, financial or
sexual abuse.
“We have seen an increase in recent years in the numbers of young
women accessing our services as a result of experiencing domestic
abuse within their own relationships. Campaigns like this are
absolutely vital in order to send out a strong message that abuse
is completely unacceptable and that help is at hand if you are
experiencing abuse, if you think you might be, or if you're worried
about someone close to you.”
“Anyone affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence in Wales can
call the ‘All Wales Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence Helpline’
on 0808 80 10 800 for 24/7, bilingual, confidential information and
support.”
Posters and hard hitting television, radio and
online adverts will be released to highlight the campaign, which
are available via the This is Abuse
website
If you are suffering, or know of someone who
is being abused or abusing please contact North Wales Police on
101. In an emergency always dial 999.
Help is also available via the All Wales Domestic Abuse and
Sexual Violence website
Advice and Guidance is also available here