Over 300 young people aged 13 – 18 recently attended an educational seminar at the All Nations Church in Cardiff, designed to teach young people how to recognise the signs of dating violence, where they can seek help, and also highlight the consequences of acting in an abusive or violent way.
Research by the NSPCC recently uncovered that young people have shockingly tolerant views on the acceptability of violence in relationships and that it is surprisingly prevalent.
Although both sexes experience partner violence, the research shows that the impact of this is much greater for girls. A quarter of girls and 18 per cent of boys reported some form of physical violence, while nearly three quarters of girls reported some sort of emotional abuse in their relationships.
Backing these claims, 66% of the 300 children at the Cardiff event claimed that they knew someone who was currently in, or have been in a violent or abusive relationship.
Speaking out about her own experiences a young girl (who didn’t want to be identified) said:
“There were a couple of boys in my school who I enjoyed being with, and the way I saw it if I didn’t do what they told me to, they wouldn’t want me hanging around with them anymore. I didn’t have any self confidence at the time. But then they started forcing me to hit other girls, and told me if I didn’t they would hit me. Then one day I didn’t do what they told me, and they beat me so badly I could go to school. They took advantage of my vulnerability at the time. Those boys are now in prison for violence. Luckily I am not, but that’s because I got help. My family, YOS (Youth Offending Services) and teachers supported me and now finally I’m getting my life back on track.”
Addressing those in attendance at the event South Wales Police Chief Constable Peter Vaughan said:
“We know that if we are to successfully reduce incidents of abuse in teenage relationships, prevention is key.
“Working with the Welsh Assembly Government and other partner agencies we must ensure we are doing all we can, to equip young people with the knowledge to identify such behaviour, and also how and where they can seek help.
“But we also want to ensure that those who choose to act in an abusive or controlling manner understand the potential consequences of their actions.
“Teaching young people and challenging attitudes to what is acceptable and what is not will of course take time, but it is essential in ensuring that levels of violence and abuse decrease in South Wales.”
Childrens Commisioner for Wales Mr Keith Towler said:
It’s great to see that South Wales Police are openly discussing these issues with over 300 children and young people.
“Having open and honest discussions about abusive relationships is imperative if we want Wales’ children and young people to know that as a society we do not accept this kind of behaviour. It’s important that we make children and young people realise that they can challenge these situations, and that there are organisations available that can provide help and support.”
