Domestic abuse advice for teens

In a bid to improve its services, Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse is asking for teenagers who have been abused to get in touch to tell their story.
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Gainsborough news

With latest statistics revealing that 25 per cent of girls and 18 per cent of boys aged between 13 and 18 have experienced abuse and physical violence from their partners, Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse services wants to do more to help young people.

Karen Shooter, county domestic abuse manager at Lincolnshire County Council, said that domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of their age or background.

“It can happen between people who are in a relationship but can also happen when a relationship has ended, between family members and to women and men,” she said.

People often don’t realise what abuse is or that it is happening to them. It’s not just physical violence and could include being pressured into having sex, having Facebook accounts, emails or texts checked and monitored, or having your actions controlled or freedom taken away.”

The county council wants to ensure that if young people in Lincolnshire are being affected, the right support and services are in place for them.

“They need to know they are not alone,” continued Mrs Shooter.

“We know it’s often difficult to talk about, but are asking people to come forward to complete a couple of questions at www.teeninfolincs.co.uk/teenabuse. It is completely confidential and will only take five minutes.”

To find out more about the domestic abuse services visit www.domesticabuselincolnshire.com or call 0808 2000 247.