We launched our Domestic Abuse campaign on 1st November. Called ‘Spot the Red Flags’ and aimed at 16-25-year-olds, it’s hoped it will prompt young people to think about their relationships and help them identify any ‘red flags’, such as controlling and coercive behaviour and recognise when things aren’t quite right. Since 2020 there have been 530 domestic incidents involving 325 individuals aged 16 – 25 years old.
The campaign will predominantly be seen on social media channels (Instagram and TikTok, using the handles @spottheredflags.je) and will run for six weeks, into December, raising awareness about the signs of abuse and equipping our young people with the knowledge and confidence to seek help should they need it. During launch week you may see red flags, posters and stickers dotted around, all containing a QR code to scan, that will take you to the campaign website (www.spottheredflags.je) where you can find out more information and local agencies that can support you.
The campaign follows the release of the new Domestic Abuse Strategy and the change in the law regarding coercive controlling behaviour. Sarah Elliott, Pan Island Independent Chair of the Safeguarding Partnership said: “We know that domestic abuse in adulthood can follow on from controlling behaviours that go unchecked in earlier life between young people. We’re delighted to be launching this campaign as part of the new Domestic Abuse Strategy which will help young people spot the signs and make it clear it’s not OK to be treated in this way”.
Detective Superintendent Alison Fossey added: “Domestic abuse can have such a lasting effect on individuals, it’s imperative that we do all we can around prevention and early help. If you or someone you know is in a toxic relationship or experiencing abuse, we are here to support you, there are safe ways of getting help through a range of local agencies.”
The key message that this campaign aims to convey to young people is that abusive relationships are not just about physical violence; emotional abuse is as brutal as being hit. Coercive and controlling behaviour is domestic abuse and it is a crime. Contact details for local support agencies can be found on spottheredflags.je and anyone can talk to them confidentially and anonymously.
You can find links to the Domestic Abuse Strategy 2022 – 2024, including an Easy Read version on the Policy & Strategies page here.