Youngsters’ work aims to help abuse victims

YOUNG people in Angus have created pioneering animations to help others trapped in the grip of domestic abuse.

They have been involved “every step of the way” in an Angus Women’s Aid project which it is hoped will help encourage others to speak out.

And the powerful pieces received their premiere at an Arbroath event on Tuesday.

The hope is they will be shared widely by schools, youth groups – and young people themselves.

Angus Women’s Aid (Awa) has been providing critical, specialist services to women, children and young people for 44 years.

But during the pandemic it has witnessed the devastating impact lockdown has had on women and children unable to escape hostile domestic situations.

This prompted the organisation to use the voices of under-18s to directly get the message across.

Their personal experiences have voiced the new animations.

One is aimed at young children, the other at teenagers who may find themselves caught in an abusive early relationship.

“Many children, young people and families suffered in silence during the Covid lockdown in 2020 and through subsequent restrictions,” said Awa.

“And they continue to do so, too afraid to speak out and get help.

“We have young people whose mental health is absolutely in tatters.

“And the longer it has gone on, the harder it has become for them.”

Through its Aware programme the organisation works with under-18s in Angus.

They have experienced or are still experiencing domestic abuse either at home or in their own relationships.

“We wanted to co-produce domestic abuse animation pieces with children and young people in the service and with an animation company,” said Awa.

“The young people have been involved every step of the way in the project deciding what language should be used.

“The messages have come directly from children and young people keen to reach out to others to let them know they are not alone and that there is proper support available locally.”

A “pledge tree” was a feature of the launch event for those seeing the animations for the first time.

The free and confidential Aware service can be reached on 01241 439437.

Susie Clark, Jody Docherty and Maxine Linton with the pledge tree at the launch event at Webster Memorial Theatre in Arbroath.