If you are in a relationship, you should feel happy, respected and loved – this is a healthy relationship. But if you feel scared, isolated or like you are being controlled, you may be in an abusive relationship.
If you or a friend is in an abusive relationship, you might recognise some of the following:
- Do you feel scared when your boyfriend or girlfriend is around?
- Have they threatened you?
- Do they insist on knowing where you have been and who you have talked to?
- Do they check your phone to see who you’ve called or text?
- Do they call you names or put you down in front of other people?
- Have you felt pressured to have sex or do things you don’t want to?
- Are you discouraged from spending time with your friends?
- Does your boyfriend or girlfriend criticize what you wear?
On the right are links to some sites that can help
If you are worried that your child might be in an unhealthy relationship, Women's Aid have produced the leaflet below that explains how to spot a controlling relationship in teenagers and how to talk to your child about it
The NSPCC's Protect and Respect service is for young people who are vulnerable to sexual exploitation or who have been sexually exploited.
You can download a leaflet about the service below.
Need help?
The sites below have a range of information and resources