Anyone can experience domestic abuse at any point in their lives- 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men do. In Bradford alone, last year there were on average 32 domestic abuse incidents reported to police in Bradford, with many more going unreported.
However, young people experience the highest rates of domestic abuse of any age group*. Raya took part in the below video which investigates why young people are so susceptible to domestic abuse.
Here are some reasons why it’s so high:
Inexperience– younger people don’t have relationship experience. They don’t know what they’re looking for in a partner or may not understand what a healthy, safe and loving relationship looks like due to lack of experience.
Confidence– even if they did think something was wrong, they may not have the confidence to challenge the behaviour or talk about it. They may not be aware of how and where to get help.
Low self- esteem– young people are still trying to understand themselves and may rely on others for validation, making them easier to target, control and manipulate.
Age gap– if they’re dating someone older they may feel that this is how ‘adults’ behave and that their feelings are ‘childish’.
Mistake red flags for love– sometimes younger people will notice a red flag like coercive control and put it down to jealousy or caring too much, rather than being unacceptable behaviour. Coercive control is a behaviour where the abuser uses ongoing oppression to instil fear. This can be a much more subtle form of abuse, such as telling you which friends you can or can’t see, texting you repeatedly to find out where you are, and telling you you’re overreacting if you try and address this behaviour.
Not sure what domestic abuse looks like– many young people think domestic abuse is only physical and that therefore the behaviours they’re experiencing must be what happens in a relationship. This is not the case. Any behaviour which makes you feel uncomfortable is unacceptable.
Peer pressure– there is a lot of peer pressure to get ‘coupled up’ and some people may feel that being in a relationship is better than being single. Alternatively, they may not want their peers talking about them if they do break up.
How to support someone you’re worried about
It’s difficult when you’re worried about someone you care for. Our blog post here has some great tips on how to start a conversation about domestic abuse.
Alternatively, you can call us on
0808 2800 999
Open Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4:30pm (closed for half an hour lunch at 1pm)
Our One Front Door helpline is completely free and confidential, and the call will not show up on itemised bills.