[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”contain” background_position=”center_right” background_horizontal_offset=”-7%” custom_margin=”1px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”2px||||false|false” background_last_edited=”on|desktop” background_image_tablet=”https:\/\/evawomensaid.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Pattern-pale-vintage.png” background_enable_image_tablet=”on” background_enable_image_phone=”off” background_size_tablet=”cover” background_position_tablet=”center” background_repeat_tablet=”no-repeat” border_width_top=”3px” border_color_top=”#614B79″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_margin=”-30px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][ba_gradient_heading title=”Domestic Abuse and Young People” primary_color=”#CD3EA3″ primary_color_location=”30″ secondary_color=”#330072″ secondary_color_location=”70″ angle=”45″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”Product Sans Reg|700|||||||” title_text_align=”center” title_font_size=”3rem” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_margin=”14px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/ba_gradient_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” disabled_on=”on|off|off” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” background_image=”https:\/\/evawomensaid.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Pattern-grey.png” background_size=”custom” background_image_height=”0%” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” border_width_all=”0px” border_color_all=”#CD3EA3″ border_width_top=”3px” border_color_top=”#614B79″ border_width_bottom=”3px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Dating Abuse” image=”https:\/\/evawomensaid.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/back-view-couple-holding-hands-park-scaled.jpg” image_icon_width=”51%” content_max_width=”1100px” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h1″ header_font=”|600|||||||” header_font_size=”40px” body_font_size=”25px” body_line_height=”1.8em” image_icon_custom_margin=”32px||-17px||false|false” custom_margin=”0px||-3px||false|false” border_radii_image=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” box_shadow_style_image=”preset2″ box_shadow_color_image=”#393A3A” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Dating abuse is a pattern of coercive, intimidating, or manipulative behaviours aimed at exerting control over a partner. Even the first instance qualifies as abuse, but it typically unfolds through repeated actions.<\/p>\n
It seeks to establish dominance and can lead victims to doubt their
self-worth, trapping them in the abusive relationship.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”If your partner is…” content_max_width=”1100px” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h1″ header_font=”|600|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_font_size=”40px” body_text_align=”left” body_font_size=”25px” body_letter_spacing=”1px” body_line_height=”1.8em” custom_margin=”25px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Then you could be in an abusive or unhealthy relationship.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Not all relationships are healthy. You deserve one that is.” content_max_width=”1100px” disabled_on=”on|off|off” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h1″ header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#3EB1C8″ header_font_size=”45px” background_color=”#F3ECE7″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#614B79″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb content_max_width=”1100px” disabled_on=”on|off|off” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”|700|||||||” body_text_align=”center” body_text_color=”#614B79″ body_font_size=”40px” body_line_height=”1.8em” background_color=”#F3ECE7″ height=”296px” custom_margin=”-7px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#614B79″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Always remember: abusive behaviour is a choice made by the perpetrator, and you are never to blame. You deserve to be treated with respect in a healthy and loving relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”The Relationship Spectrum” content_max_width=”1100px” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h2″ header_font=”|600|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_font_size=”40px” body_font_size=”25px” body_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n All relationships fall along a spectrum that ranges from healthy to abusive, with unhealthy relationships positioned in the middle. Take a look at the Relationship Spectrum and think about whether the behaviour in your relationships is healthy, unhealthy, or abusive to help you decide where your own relationship falls.<\/span><\/p>\n Evaluating your relationships using this spectrum can help clarify their nature. Being aware of warning signs can signal the presence of an abusive relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][dsm_before_after_image _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/dsm_before_after_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/evawomensaid.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Relationship-spectrum.png” title_text=”Relationship spectrum” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”68%” border_width_all=”3px” border_style_all=”groove” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_blurb title=”Consent Matters” icon_placement=”left” content_max_width=”1100px” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h2″ header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”40px” body_font_size=”20px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In the UK, people must be over 16 to legally consent to sex.<\/p>\n The law says someone can\u2019t consent if they are underage, intoxicated or incapacitated by drugs or alcohol, or asleep or unconscious. If someone agrees to an activity under pressure of intimidation or threat, that isn\u2019t considered consent because it was not given freely.<\/p>\n All those involved must have the freedom and full capacity to make that decision. Engaging in a sexual act without the person\u2019s consent is sexual violence, and is a criminal offence.<\/p>\n Put simply, consent is an ongoing mutual agreement between partners about what they want to experience. [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/evawomensaid.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Consent-2.jpg” title_text=”Consent 2″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” height=”490px” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_blurb title=”We all have the right to not want any kind of sexual activity… ” content_max_width=”1100px” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h2″ header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#5F259F” header_font_size=”40px” body_font_size=”25px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n for example, kissing, sexual touching or performing a sexual act. We also all have the right to change our minds at any time. Or to consent to doing one sexual thing with someone but not another.<\/p>\n Someone doesn\u2019t have the freedom and capacity to agree to sexual activity by choice if:<\/p>\n If someone’s not sure whether you are giving your consent for something sexual, they should check with you. If they can see or suspect you’re not 100% comfortable or happy with what’s happening between you, they should stop.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Other Help and Support” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h1″ header_font=”|600|||||||” header_text_color=”#330072″ header_font_size=”45px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb image=”https:\/\/evawomensaid.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/childline1.png” image_icon_width=”40%” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_align=”center” body_font_size=”17px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Childline<\/a> Get help and advice about a wide range of issues, call us on 0800 1111, talk to a counsellor online, send\u00a0<\/span>Childline<\/em>\u00a0an email or post on the message boards.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb image=”https:\/\/evawomensaid.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Brook-t-e1747654153728.png” image_icon_width=”35%” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_align=”center” body_font_size=”17px” border_radii_image=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Brook<\/a> believes in a society where everyone is supported to live healthy lives, free from inequality and strengthened by fulfilling relationships.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb image=”https:\/\/evawomensaid.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Galop-T.png” image_icon_width=”55%” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_align=”center” body_font_size=”17px” image_icon_custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” image_icon_custom_padding=”5px||||false|false” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Galop<\/a> has been working with LGBT+ victims and survivors of abuse and violence for more than 40 years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb image=”https:\/\/evawomensaid.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wa1-e1747654926657.png” image_icon_width=”50%” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_align=”center” body_font_size=”17px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Women’s Aid<\/a>\u00a0is a grassroots federation working together to provide life-saving services and build a future where domestic violence is not tolerated.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb image=”https:\/\/evawomensaid.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Respect-Mens-Advice-Line-01.png” image_icon_width=”50%” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_align=”center” body_font_size=”17px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Respect Men’s Advice Line<\/a> is a confidential helpline, email and webchat service for men who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse, and for those supporting them.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb image=”https:\/\/evawomensaid.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/999-photo-e1746111658507.jpeg” image_icon_width=”50%” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_align=”center” body_font_size=”17px” border_radii_image=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In an emergency or if you believe your life is in danger ALWAYS call 999<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” disabled_on=”off|on|on” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” background_image=”https:\/\/evawomensaid.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Pattern-grey.png” parallax=”on” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” border_width_all=”0px” border_color_all=”#CD3EA3″ border_width_top=”3px” border_color_top=”#614B79″ border_width_bottom=”3px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Dating Abuse” image=”https:\/\/evawomensaid.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/back-view-couple-holding-hands-park-scaled.jpg” image_icon_width=”40%” content_max_width=”1100px” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h1″ header_font=”|600|||||||” header_font_size=”35px” body_font_size=”20px” body_line_height=”1.8em” image_icon_custom_margin=”100px||-17px||false|false” image_icon_custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin=”-100px||-3px||false|false” border_radii_image=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” box_shadow_style_image=”preset2″ box_shadow_color_image=”#393A3A” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Dating abuse is a pattern of coercive, intimidating, or manipulative behaviours aimed at exerting control over a partner. Even the first instance qualifies as abuse, but it typically unfolds through repeated actions.<\/p>\n It seeks to establish dominance and can lead victims to doubt their [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”If your partner is…” content_max_width=”1100px” disabled_on=”off|on|on” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h1″ header_font=”|600|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_font_size=”30px” body_text_align=”left” body_font_size=”20px” body_letter_spacing=”1px” body_line_height=”1.8em” custom_margin=”25px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Then you could be in an abusive or unhealthy relationship.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Not all relationships are healthy. You deserve one that is.” content_max_width=”1100px” disabled_on=”off|on|on” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h1″ header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#3EB1C8″ header_font_size=”30px” background_color=”#F3ECE7″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#614B79″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb content_max_width=”1000px” disabled_on=”off|on|on” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”|700|||||||” body_text_align=”center” body_text_color=”#614B79″ body_font_size=”20px” body_line_height=”1.8em” background_color=”#F3ECE7″ image_icon_custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” image_icon_custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” module_alignment=”center” height=”296px” custom_margin=”-7px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#614B79″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Always remember: abusive behaviour is a choice made by the perpetrator, and you are never to blame. You deserve to be treated with respect in a healthy and loving relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”The Relationship Spectrum” content_max_width=”1100px” disabled_on=”off|on|on” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h2″ header_font=”|600|||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”30px” body_font_size=”20px” body_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n All relationships fall along a spectrum that ranges from healthy to abusive, with unhealthy relationships positioned in the middle. Take a look at the Relationship Spectrum and think about whether the behaviour in your relationships is healthy, unhealthy, or abusive to help you decide where your own relationship falls.<\/span><\/p>\n Evaluating your relationships using this spectrum can help clarify their nature. Being aware of warning signs can signal the presence of an abusive relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][dsm_before_after_image _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/dsm_before_after_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/evawomensaid.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Relationship-spectrum.png” title_text=”Relationship spectrum” align=”center” disabled_on=”off|on|on” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”68%” custom_margin=”-35px||||false|false” border_width_all=”3px” border_style_all=”groove” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_blurb title=”Consent Matters” icon_placement=”left” content_max_width=”1100px” disabled_on=”off|on|on” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h2″ header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_font_size=”30px” body_font_size=”18px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In the UK, people must be over 16 to legally consent to sex.<\/p>\n The law says someone can\u2019t consent if they are underage, intoxicated or incapacitated by drugs or alcohol, or asleep or unconscious. If someone agrees to an activity under pressure of intimidation or threat, that isn\u2019t considered consent because it was not given freely.<\/p>\n All those involved must have the freedom and full capacity to make that decision. Engaging in a sexual act without the person\u2019s consent is sexual violence, and is a criminal offence.<\/p>\n Put simply, consent is an ongoing mutual agreement between partners about what they want to experience. [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/evawomensaid.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Consent-2.jpg” title_text=”Consent 2″ align=”center” disabled_on=”off|on|on” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” height=”350px” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_blurb title=”We all have the right to not want any kind of sexual activity… ” content_max_width=”1100px” disabled_on=”off|on|on” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h2″ header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#5F259F” header_font_size=”26px” body_font_size=”20px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n for example, kissing, sexual touching or performing a sexual act. We also all have the right to change our minds at any time. Or to consent to doing one sexual thing with someone but not another.<\/p>\n Someone doesn\u2019t have the freedom and capacity to agree to sexual activity by choice if:<\/p>\n If someone’s not sure whether you are giving your consent for something sexual, they should check with you. If they can see or suspect you’re not 100% comfortable or happy with what’s happening between you, they should stop.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Other Help and Support” disabled_on=”off|on|on” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h1″ header_font=”|600|||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#330072″ header_font_size=”35px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb image=”https:\/\/evawomensaid.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/childline1.png” image_icon_width=”40%” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_align=”center” body_font_size=”17px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Childline<\/a> Get help and advice about a wide range of issues, call us on 0800 1111, talk to a counsellor online, send\u00a0<\/span>Childline<\/em>\u00a0an email or post on the message boards.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb image=”https:\/\/evawomensaid.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Brook-t-e1747654153728.png” image_icon_width=”35%” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_align=”center” body_font_size=”17px” border_radii_image=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Brook<\/a> believes in a society where everyone is supported to live healthy lives, free from inequality and strengthened by fulfilling relationships.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb image=”https:\/\/evawomensaid.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Galop-T.png” image_icon_width=”55%” disabled_on=”off|on|on” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_align=”center” body_font_size=”17px” image_icon_custom_margin=”-30px||0px||false|false” image_icon_custom_padding=”5px||||false|false” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Galop<\/a> has been working with LGBT+ victims and survivors of abuse and violence for more than 40 years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb image=”https:\/\/evawomensaid.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wa1-e1747654926657.png” image_icon_width=”50%” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_align=”center” body_font_size=”17px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Consent involves clear communication and a genuine, enthusiastic “yes.” Never assume consent; uncertainty or silence does not indicate consent. In passionate moments, ask questions like \u201cAre you comfortable?\u201d or \u201cDo you want to continue?\u201d to ensure mutual agreement.<\/p>\n\n
self-worth, trapping them in the abusive relationship.<\/p>\n\n
Consent involves clear communication and a genuine, enthusiastic “yes.” Never assume consent; uncertainty or silence does not indicate consent. In passionate moments, ask questions like \u201cAre you comfortable?\u201d or \u201cDo you want to continue?\u201d to ensure mutual agreement.<\/p>\n\n