Conference educates on teen abuse

Organised by Safe in Sussex, the conference took place at the Pavilion Theatre and attracted 160 guests.

The charity chose to focus on children and young people as abuse in teenage relationships appears to be is growing, according to a report from the Home Office.

The report shows that teenage girls are now considered to be the group at greatest risk from violent relationships, with one in four girls experiencing abuse by their partners.

Sharon Howard, services manager for Safe in Sussex, said: “It was a very important day for us because we were able to meet so many professionals and share with them the support that we are now able to offer to children and young people in West Sussex.

“Through the grant we received from the Big Lottery Reaching Communities Fund we are able to provide trained staff that can facilitate our children and young peoples work. The aim is to educate our young people so they know what a good healthy relationship should be like, are able to spot the early warning signs of abuse and can get support if they are in an abusive relationship.”

The conference included a play by Certain Curtain Theatre Company, as well as a moving account from a survivor of domestic abuse.