Wiltshire and Swindon mark 16 Days of Action with focus on raising awareness of unhealthy relationships among young people

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner is joining local partners to mark this year’s 16 Days of Action campaign – raising awareness of healthy and unhealthy relationships, supporting the prevention of domestic abuse, and signposting people to help.

The campaign runs from Tuesday 25 November to Wednesday 10 December and aims to help children and young people understand what a healthy relationship looks like, how to recognise red flags and unhealthy behaviours, and where to go for support.

Partner organisations including Wiltshire Council, Swindon Borough Council, commissioned domestic abuse support services across Wiltshire and Swindon, and a range of other local organisations and charities are working together to share advice, guidance, and resources throughout the campaign.

This year’s campaign has been shaped through engagement with children and young people, who have helped develop the key messages and social media content to ensure it resonates with their age group.

Over the 16 days, partners will promote messages across social media and in schools and colleges, focusing on early intervention and giving young people the knowledge and confidence to build safe, respectful relationships.

Topics include:

• The foundations of a healthy relationship
• Recognising unhealthy behaviours and knowing when to walk away
• Building self-esteem and confidence
• Checking in with friends and supporting each other
• Setting boundaries

There will also be online live talks for professionals and parents delivered by the commissioned domestic-abuse support services, focusing on how to identify unhealthy behaviours, support young people, and build confidence to intervene early when needed.

Resources will also be shared with parents and carers, covering how to recognise warning signs, communicate effectively, and help young people stay safe both in person and online.

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “Spotting the signs of an unhealthy relationship early can make all the difference, and preventing harm starts with partnership working.

“This campaign brings councils, charities, and my office together with one clear goal, helping young people spot the signs of unhealthy behaviour early. By helping young people understand what healthy relationships look like and giving them the confidence to speak out when something feels wrong, we can prevent harm before it escalates.

“Supporting victims and tackling violence remains a priority in my Police and Crime Plan, but prevention starts with awareness – and that’s why this campaign is so important.”

Cllr Clare Cape, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Public Health, said: “We know that unhealthy relationships or controlling behaviour often starts early, and that children may not always recognise when a relationship has become unsafe.

“This year’s campaign is about giving children and young people the knowledge and confidence to build healthy relationships – based on respect, trust and equality – and to know where to turn for help if they ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

“We’re proud to work with partners across Wiltshire and Swindon to ensure that every young person has access to the information and support they need to stay safe.”

Councillor Jim Grant, Swindon Borough Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships said, “Domestic abuse and violence against women and girls are serious issues that affect people of all ages and tackling them requires a united response from our whole community. White Ribbon Day and the 16 Days of Action campaign remind us that each of us has a role to play in challenging harmful behaviours, promoting respect and supporting those affected by abuse.

“The focus this year on healthy relationships among children and young people is particularly important. By helping our younger generation understand what respect, equality and consent look like, we can prevent abuse before it starts and build safer communities.

“We’re also encouraging residents to take part in our domestic abuse lived experience survey, so we can better understand the challenges faced by those affected and shape services to meet their needs. If you’re experiencing abuse, please know that you are not alone. Help is available and we’ll continue work with our partners to make sure support is there when it’s needed most.”

In a joint statement, the commissioned domestic abuse support services for Swindon and Wiltshire – FearFree, Society Without Abuse and The You Trust – said: “Sadly, each day we witness the devastating impact that abuse has on children and teenagers. Whether they are growing up in a home where abuse takes place or experiencing harm in their own relationships, the consequences can steal childhoods and leave trauma that lasts into adulthood.

“We stand in solidarity to say that this must stop. Every child deserves the right to grow up in a safe, loving and respectful environment, and we will continue to work for a South West where this is a reality for everyone.”

If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse, support is available:

Contact FearFree by visiting https://www.fearfree.org.uk/refer/wiltshire/ or call 01225 775276
In an emergency, always call 999.