1. www.hertsdirect.org Teenage Relationship Abuse

2. www.hertsdirect.org 1 in 4 teenage girls have been hit by a boyfriend (with one in nine reporting severe physical violence) Home Office 2010 18 % of boys reported some form of physical partner violence. Home Office 2010 Nearly 75% of girls and 50% boys have reported some sort of emotional partner abuse. NSPCC & Bristol University 2009

3. www.hertsdirect.org Teenage Relationship Abuse  Controlling behaviour is: a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.  Coercive behaviour is: an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.”* *This definition includes ‘honour’ based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage Abuse PhysicalSexualFinancialEmotional Teenage relationship abuse consists of the same patterns of coercive and controlling behaviour as domestic abuse.

4. www.hertsdirect.org Key risk factors Key protective factors Previous experience of violence in the home Depression in childhood Poor mental health Problem drug and alcohol misuse from early age School non-attendance Disruption of family unit / being ‘looked after’ Sexual relationships Having a child as a teenager Poverty Sexual exploitation and sexualised risk taking behaviour Achievement at school Having a safe haven Support from positive role models Assertiveness (both internal and external) Sense of physical, emotional, and economic security Belief that others have high expectations of them Participation in engaging and challenging activities Sense of belonging/safety structure

5. www.hertsdirect.org No longer socialising with their close circle of friends, Slipping behind academically missing school Being late for school Arriving early / staying late to avoid abuser constantly checking their phone, being withdrawn and quieter than usual, being angry, and becoming irritable when asked how they are doing, making excuses for their boyfriend or girlfriend, having unexplained scratches or bruises, showing changes in mood or personality using drugs or alcohol. Inappropriate sexual behaviour / language / attitudes Depression Pregnancy Self-harm Eating disorders or problems sleeping Symptoms of post-traumatic stress Bullying / being bullied Very gendered expectations of career and achievement