Abuse charity hits reset button New programme to educate teenagers launched
ACHESHIRE-BASED domestic abuse charity has launched a new programme to educate teenagers on domestic abuse and its warning signs.
My CWA (formerly Cheshire Without Abuse), launched the programme amid a 73 per cent rise in referrals to the Cheshire East Domestic Abuse Hub from young people aged 18 and under (2020/21 vs. 21/22).
Police in Cheshire East have also seen a 10 per cent increase in the number of domestic abuse incidents where the victim was aged 13-17 (April 2021-March 22 vs. April 20-March 21).
My CWA and Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer collaborated to create the pioneering early intervention programme ‘Reset’ to empower teens with knowledge of what makes a healthy and happy relationship, promoting self-identification of harmful behaviours and equipping them with the skills to make healthier relationship choices.
Mr Dwyer, said: “I’m really pleased to be working with My CWA and to see ‘Reset’ already making a positive difference to people’s lives. If we’re going to break the cycle of domestic abuse then it’s vital to reach young people and educate them at the age where they are beginning to explore relationships. If they can have these open discussions with their peers now and stamp out harmful behaviours, then it creates a safer environment for generations to come.
“Protecting vulnerable and at-risk people is key to my Police and Crime Plan, and people living in fear of domestic abuse and in coercive relationships are among the most vulnerable in society. Preventing it from ever taking place is crucial and that’s why I’m so glad that My CWA is delivering this essential training for young people in Cheshire.”
‘Reset’ was officially launched at a premiere of ‘The Wheel’ - a short film produced and written with the help of people with lived experience of harmful relationships, and used in the ‘Reset’ programme held at Cinemac Cinema in Macclesfield on Wednesday, July 13.
‘The Wheel’ follows the story of a teenage romantic relationship between protagonists Abby and Nate, and has been edited into ‘bite-size’ sections for ‘Reset’ sessions so teenagers can discuss each portion, dissect unhealthy relationships and spot red flags.
The screening of the new film was followed by a panel Q&A, hosted by Actor Kane Allen, with panellists including My CWA CEO Saskia Lightburn-Ritchie, Emma Storey (Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence Development Lead Advisor at Cheshire East Council), Karen Porter (Manager, Cheshire East Information Advice and Support [CEIAS] and Safeguarding Children in Education Settings [SCiES] Manager), Anne-Marie Scragg (Writer & Director ‘The Wheel’), Ellie Morris (‘Abby’ in ‘The Wheel’) and Charles Dubois (‘Nate’ in ‘The Wheel’).
Commenting at the event on the need for educating teens on healthy relationship behaviours, Emma Storey said: “Locally, we’re seeing an increased number of referrals for young people experiencing domestic abuse in relationships - it’s a huge problem. We’re also seeing increased referrals with young people becoming abusive in their relationships with their parents or adult carers, which is another area of need.
“By educating and empowering young people with the knowledge of what constitutes a healthy or unhealthy relationship, we can prevent future harm and hopefully reduce domestic abuse across our local area and see less referrals as a result.”
Karen Porter commented, during the panel Q&A, on the need for programmes such as ‘Reset’ to support vulnerable teens across Cheshire: “Every child’s experience of abuse is individual to them and ‘The Wheel’ and the ‘Reset’ programme as a whole give us a valuable opportunity to connect with young people and show them a breadth of abusive behaviours; encouraging them to speak up - whether for themselves or a friend - or change their own unhealthy behaviours.”
‘Reset’ encompasses 12 one-hour interactive sessions delivered by professionals working with young people and assesses attitudes, beliefs and perceptions about relationships and domestic abuse before and after participation. The interactive programme features group activities and opportunities for discussion throughout in order to give young people space to share their thoughts and feelings on various relationship-related topics.