How to spot unhealthy relationships the focus for Wiltshire's '16 days of Action'
Wiltshire Council are joining forces with a number of partners across the country.
For this years '16 Days of Action', they are focussing on the relationships between young people in the county and what makes one healthy or unhealthy.
Wiltshire schools are being encouraged to talk to pupils about how to spot the signs and what to do if they're in an unhealthy relationship.
There will also be evening sessions for teachers to help them support pupils and recognise what can be done.
Cllr Laura Mayes, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Skills said:
"Abuse can be verbal as well as physical and sometimes it can be well hidden. We want to encourage people to speak out if they see something that isn’t right and seek help if they are in an abusive relationship.
It’s important young people can recognise the signs both for their own relationships but also for their friends. Schools already highlight these issues with pupils and we hope that by having these conversations during these 16 days we will further raise awareness and help people find the support and advice they need.
I would encourage people who have concerns to call us. For Wiltshire residents we have the Splitz Support service on weekdays and the Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service out of hours and weekends so there is always someone ready to take the call. Don’t leave it - call us."
16 Days of Action is an annual, national campaign that runs from the 25th of November.
WARNING SIGNS
Here are some of the signs of relationship where one partner is controlling or coercive:
- Isolation - no longer spending time with a usual circle of friends
- Being withdrawn or quieter than usual
- Always checking their phone
- Being angry or irritable when asked how things are
- Making excuses for a girlfriend or boyfriend
- Changing appearance, clothes or style
- Failing grades or truancy
- Self harm
Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon Angus Macpherson added:
"It is vitally important that we safeguard the youngest and most vulnerable in our communities and we are fully supportive of this campaign to help the public spot the signs of abuse and encourage people to speak out.
Nobody should feel like they have to stay in an unhealthy relationship, no matter their age, and it is important to educate people from a young age that it is not ok to be treated this way.
Domestic abuse is indiscriminate and can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, relationship type or ethnicity."
HOW TO GET HELP
Incidents of domestic abuse can be reported to Police by calling 101 or, in immediate danger, 999.
There are other ways for people in Wiltshire to get help.
If you are a victim or are worried someone else in the county may be one, you can contact the Splitz Support Service on:
- 01225 775276 (Monday - Friday, 8.00am - 5.00pm)
- 01793 610610 (Monday - Friday, 5.00pm - 9.00am and 24 hours a day at weekends and on bank holidays)
Alternatively you can visit their website www.splitz.org.