16 Days of Action 2025
As part of this year’s 16 Days of Action campaign (25 November – 10 December), we’re working with partners to help reduce domestic abuse and promote healthy relationships among children and young people.
Domestic abuse doesn’t always begin in adulthood. Harmful behaviours can start early—sometimes without being recognised as abuse. That’s why it’s vital we support children and young people to understand what healthy relationships look like, and how to spot the signs of control, coercion or violence.
This page offers practical advice for adults—whether you're a parent, carer, teacher, youth worker or safeguarding professional—on how to help reduce the risk of abuse and promote safety from a young age.
Why early intervention matters
Research shows that early exposure to unhealthy relationships can increase the risk of future abuse—either as a victim or perpetrator. By educating young people early, we can:
- Break cycles of abuse
- Reduce future offending
- Improve emotional wellbeing
- Build safer communities
Recognising the signs of unhealthy relationships
Young people may not always have the language to describe abuse, but they might show signs such as:
- Withdrawal from friends or family
- Sudden changes in mood or behaviour
- Excessive texting or monitoring by a partner
- Fear of upsetting someone close to them
- Justifying controlling or jealous behaviour
- If you notice these signs, it’s important to act early and offer support.
How you can help
Use everyday situations—TV shows, social media, friendships—as opportunities to discuss respect, boundaries, and consent.
Help young people understand that jealousy, control, and aggression are not signs of love. Promote kindness, equality and mutual respect.
Signpost young people to trusted services and make sure they know abuse is never their fault.
We’ve worked with partners to develop tools that support crime reduction and early intervention.
