For Parents in Southend-on-Sea

Unhealthy relationships, or teen relationship abuse, is a pattern of behaviour which one person chooses to inflict on a current or former partner to control them

40%

of young people

will experience some form of relationship abuse by the time they are 19 years old

1 in 4

girls

will experience physical violence in their relationship

1 in 10

boys

will experience physical violence in their relationship

(Source: NSPCC, 2009)

The signs of an unhealthy relationship

We know that teen relationship abuse can happen to anyone; it doesn’t have to include physical violence. We understand that parents can sometimes struggle to understand whether their teen is in an unhealthy relationship. Signs that your teen may be in an unhealthy relationship include:

Always prioritising their partner over friends & family

Being less confident or having lower self-esteem

Your child may be depressed, anxious or may self-harm

Your teen may be more withdrawn, but hostile if you ask about the relationship

Making excuses for their partner and justifying their behaviour, often blaming themselves

Putting their partner’s needs before their own

Physical injuries, which they could be hiding, or have poor excuses for

Change in attendance and performance at school

Spending less time on their usual interests / hobbies

Having to prove who they are with or where they are to their partner

Fearful or anxious about upsetting their partner

Changing or cancelling plans last minute

Dressing older than they are or covering up

Not all of these signs may be present in your teens’ relationship; if you have any concerns, please contact us.

Break the Cycle aims to work with young people to help them understand the nature of unhealthy relationships and to assist with recovery. We understand that supporting your child through this process can be incredibly challenging; we can provide you with guidance as well as support for your child.

Break the Cycle is a part of Safe Steps, a specialist agency helping people of all ages who may be experiencing domestic abuse. Our specialist young people’s service works to ensure that young people can be safe within their own relationships.