Statement on launch of Home Office awareness campaign about abusive teenage relationships

NSPCC head of child protection awareness Christopher Cloke said:

"The Home Office campaign sends out an important message to teenagers that violence in relationships is wrong and they shouldn't put up with it.

"We hope the campaign will encourage girls and boys experiencing abusive relationships to speak out and get help from parents, teachers, or from ChildLine.

"A recent NSPCC survey found that one in four teenage girls in a relationship had suffered physical violence, such as being slapped or punched by their boyfriends, while one in six had been pressured into sex.(1)

"Clearly, one campaign cannot hope to solve the problem overnight. The NSPCC wants this and future Governments to ensure the next generation of teenagers learn about safe and respectful relationships, by putting this at the heart of PSHE lessons."

Any young people who need help with this or any other issue can call ChildLine, free, anytime on 0800 1111. They can also get help online at www.childline.org.uk

Adults with concerns about a child or young person should call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000.

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Media Office: 0207 825 7403; Out of hours 07976 206625

Notes to editor:

(1) 'Partner exploitation and violence in teenage intimate relationships' is the first study in Great Britain to provide a detailed picture of the incidence and impact of teenage partner violence. 1,353 young people, between 13 and 17 years old from England, Scotland and Wales took part in the research survey and 91 young people took part in in-depth interviews. The report was authored by Christine Barter, Melanie McCarry, David Berridge and Kathy Evans from the University of Bristol and funded by the NSPCC and the Big Lottery Fund. A summary of the report is available to download from www.nspcc.org.uk/INFORM