The NYA Blog
Hard hitting facts on abuse
18 February 2010
Is it okay to hit your girlfriend or boyfriend if they have been flirting with someone else?
Well is it? This is the question being posed on the newly launched This is Abuse website, supporting a series of TV adverts that draw attention to violence in young people’s relationships. Worryingly 32 per cent of those answering say yes. A further 8 per cent aren’t sure.
Shane Meadows, the acclaimed film director, is pleased to be working with the Home Office on the campaign. “My job was to make sure that these adverts are compelling, real and utterly authentic. They give you the chance to look back at yourself and your actions, and have a moment when you can step out of the immediacy and complexity of the moment. They show you that there is another choice” he said.
'It’s a message I fundamentally believe in, and it’s what most of my films have been about – finding another way of leading your life. It’s a very powerful and valuable lesson.
“Teen violence is a subject that is close to my heart as I grew up in a place where violence and bullying were an integral part of life and accepted as the norm.”
Abuse can take many forms. It can be if someone constantly puts you down, threatens you or forces you to do something you don’t want to. The campaign aims to challenge the attitudes of young people to violence and abuse in relationships and sends a strong message to 13 to 18-year-olds, many of whom may not recognise the signs and consequences of abuse. The adverts challenge them to stop abusive behaviour and to seek help – whether they are victims or perpetrators.
Professionals working with young people have an important role to play in spotting the signs of abuse. Children’s Minister Delyth Morgan commented: “[They] have a unique position of trust that means young people feel they can talk to them, and will listen to their advice. We can hope to stamp out abuse and put a stop to the myth that violence within relationships should be tolerated.”
Home Secretary Alan Johnson said in support of the campaign: 'We want to see young people in safe and happy relationships and this means tackling attitudes towards abuse at an early age, before patterns of violence can occur.”
The adverts are screened as a survey carried out by the NSPCC found that a quarter of girls and 18 per cent of boys reported some form of physical violence and nearly three quarters of girls reported experiencing emotional abuse in their relationships. The report also uncovered that young people have shockingly tolerant views on the acceptability of violence in relationships.
Sandra Horley OBE, Chief Executive of Refuge, said, “Up to two women are killed every week by a current or former partner. This is a huge statistic and one that we need to start addressing - and addressing fast if we're to save lives and protect young women in the future. It is essential that boys and girls learn that domestic violence is unacceptable and that healthy relationships are based on equality and mutual respect. Getting support could ... save your life.”
The adverts are running between 15 February to 14 March. More about the campaign can be found at: http://thisisabuse.direct.gov.uk/
If you are concerned that your relationship may be abusive or if you simply need help and advice, visit the Refuge website >>
This blog was written by Esther Cameron, NYA's Digital/Online Coordinator.