Somerset County Council’s domestic abuse service has supported a record number of young people seeking support during 2022/23.

Proportionately young people experience the highest rates of domestic abuse of any age group. For many, experiences of domestic abuse begin in their childhood home.

It is estimated that 1 in 5 children are exposed to domestic abuse. This means that for many young people, their experience of domestic abuse does not begin in their own relationships, but in the childhood home when witnessing adult relatives in abusive relationships.

Councillor Adam Dance, Somerset County Council’s Executive Lead Member for Public Health, Equalities and Diversity, said:

“Young people can witness or experience many types of domestic abuse and the likelihood of experiencing high severity abuse is no different to adults.

“I am pleased to see an increase in young people coming forward for support when they have concerns that they are in an unhealthy or abusive relationship or think they know someone who may be."

"Support is non-judgemental and free through our service and I would encourage anyone with concerns to get in touch with SIDAS. Domestic abuse, be it physical or non-physical is wrong.

He further added : "If someone is hurting you or making you do something you don’t want to, you do not have to put up with it – help is always available.”

Young people in abusive relationships often experience partners who are controlled by their partners. Some warning signs are: constantly checking their phone without the permission, preventing them to meet family/friends, showing possessiveness or jealousy, making false accusations, having sex without permission, physically hurt, making them watch pornography and much more.

Any relationship that does not make someone feel good is an unhealthy relationship.

For young people demonstrating harmful behaviour, and for those they are harming, help and support is available - visit www.somersetsurvivors.org.uk or call 0800 69 49 999 to know more.

In an emergency, call the police on 999. If you can’t speak, listen to the question and then tap or cough to answer. Press 55 to signal an emergency.

Somerset Integrated Domestic Abuse Service (SIDAS) helpline took 301 calls from people between the age of 16 – 20-year-olds since April last year, compared to 128 in 2021/22 – a nearly three times increase.

Young people experiencing relationships that cause them to feel scared, controlled or who are being harmed can find local, non-judgemental help and support by contacting SIDAS on 0800 69 49 999 or online at www.somersetsurvivors.org.uk.