Do you have a HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP?

How to identify whether your partnership is in good shape

When was the last time you had a relationship health check? While we all know it’s important to attend to our physical health with nourishing food and exercise, it’s also crucial to ensure our relationships score a clean bill of health. With the COVID-19 pandemic placing unprecedented strain on households this year, now may be the right time to look at your relationship.

“We know that while crises certainly affect everyone, they also exacerbate existing social inequalities and reinforce disadvantage,” said Patty Kinnersly, CEO of Our Watch, an organisation that works to prevent violence against women and children. “At this time, we have particular concern for women whose home isn’t safe. Research has found that there’s often a spike in violence against women during major crises and disasters.”

So, what can you do to identify if you’re at risk? According to the national sexual assault and domestic and family violence counselling service 1800RESPECT. org.au, a healthy relationship brings more happiness than stress, and is built on the two pillars of safety and respect.

In a healthy relationship, you will not feel afraid of the other person and will feel comfortable sharing your feelings. This isn’t only applicable to intimate relationships – you’re entitled to feel safe and respected in all your relationships. This includes those with ex-partners, parents, guardians, adult children and other family members, as well as carers, support workers and other people you live with or see regularly, inside and outside the home.