News

Support for new teen abuse campaign

Released on 24 February 2010

The Safer Surrey Heath Partnership has welcomed a powerful new government advertising campaign to challenge the attitudes of teenagers to violence and abuse in relationships.

The nationwide campaign, launched on 15 February, sends a strong message to 13 to 18-year-olds highlighting the signs and consequences of abuse, and challenging them to stop abusive behaviour or seek help.

Television adverts, directed by top British director Shane Meadows, depict a teenage girl being abused physically and emotionally by her controlling boyfriend. Teenagers are challenged, "If you could see yourself would you see abuse?" and "If you could see yourself would you stop yourself?".

The campaign also includes radio adverts and posters showing teenagers in everyday situations, reflecting on their abusive or controlling relationships. These posters, along with postcards and leaflets for young people and parents, will be displayed and distributed throughout the borough in support of the campaign.

A dedicated website has been set up (www.direct.gov.uk/thisisabuse Opens in a new window) giving teenagers information about abuse in relationships, and advice on where to go for help. It includes live online discussions where experts will answer questions about relationships and abuse. Users are able to interact with a 'dream' boyfriend or girlfriend, in which the boy becomes abusive. Advice for parents and carers can be found at www.direct.gov.uk/spotteenabuse Opens in a new window

A link to the site has been placed on the Safer Surrey Heath Partnership's website, in its 'Young People' section (www.safersurreyheath.info/youngpeople). The campaign postcards will be available at the Camberley Theatre Snap disco for young people aged 11 to 16 on Friday 23 April as part of a community safety display. Surrey County Council youth services will also be making use of the campaign materials.

Speaking on behalf of the Safer Surrey Heath Partnership, Surrey Heath Borough Council portfolio holder for community safety, Cllr Vivienne Chapman, said: "The Partnership fully supports this campaign to help young people embarking on early relationships understand what makes a healthy partnership, and that abuse of any kind is totally unacceptable. It's essential that teenagers realise what support is available and how to take the necessary steps towards ending abuse."