In this survey we are using the term relationship abuse to refer to abuse that happens between young people who are involved in some kind of relationship, whether this is a casual relationship, or a more long term one. In this survey we are not enquiring about abuse that is perpetrated by an adult.
Research undertaken within schools, with young people aged 13-17 found that 25% of the girls and 18% of the boys had experienced some form of physical partner abuse. 75% of girls and 50% of boys reported some form of emotional partner abuse, and 31% of girls and 16% of boys reported some form of sexual partner abuse. These figures increase amongst disadvantaged young people – 50% of girls had experienced physical partner abuse and 25% of the boys, although most of the boys stated it had little impact upon their welfare. 50% of the girls in this cohort had experienced some form of sexual violence, but only a small minority of the boys had.
In this survey we would like to get information from you on the prevalence of relationship abuse with young people that you work with, and the ways you are able to support those young people who are experiencing this form of abuse.