Police tackle teen abuse during Personal Safety Week
West Mercia Police is giving advice to teenagers about how they can avoid becoming involved in abusive relationships.
Starting today the force is launching its second Personal Safety Week which this year targets young people aged 13 -18, and aims to stop them being victims and perpetrators of physical and verbal abuse.
Local Policing Teams across Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Worcestershire will be talking to youngsters in schools and youth groups to raise awareness of the issues surrounding abuse.
Detective Inspector Callie Bradley from the force’s Public Protection Unit said: “Last year there were 765 victims of domestic related crimes and incidents aged 15 -18 across the force, so it is an issue we take very seriously.
“What we want to achieve through this campaign, is to help these teens understand that abuse in a relationship isn’t normal or acceptable and they don’t have to put up with an abusive partner.
“We’re not just talking about physical violence – if you’re threatened with violence, have no say over what you wear or who you see or speak to, or are constantly criticised, then it is still abuse.
“Personal Safety Week will highlight the many different aspects of domestic abuse, so that young people and their parents
can spot the signs early enough to put a stop to it.
“There are a number of warning signs which may alert parents to abuse in their teenager’s relationship such as being withdrawn or quieter than usual, physical signs of injury or making excuses for a boyfriend or girlfriend.”
The campaign also tackles the subject of teenage rape and aims to reinforce the message that it is wrong to push someone into a sexual relationship if they are not ready to be in one.
Det Insp Bradley said: “It is illegal to force or pressure someone to have sex with you and you should always respect your partner's wishes.
“Unfortunately, out of all the reports of rape we receive, the numbers are particularly high in 13 to 17 age range where young girls have been pressurised into having sex.
“It’s against the law to have sex if you are under 16. If teenagers are thinking about having a sexual relationship we urge them to look at the links on the West Mercia Police website to get advice.
“Having sex is not a decision you should be rushed into making – you always have the right to say no.”
West Mercia Police will be spreading the campaign message to teenagers through Facebook and Twitter.
More information and advice can be found by visiting the force website www.westmercia.pnn.police.uk.
