TEENAGERS had a chance to share their concerns about their relationships with young persons domestic violence advisers when they visited Swindon College.

Between noon and 2pm yesterday, students had a chance to speak to Swindon Women’s Aid advisers about relationship issues as part of the charity’s work to promote Domestic Abuse Awareness Week around the town.

About a quarter of teenage girls are victims of abusive relationships, and more than 80 young people sought support from the charity in 2013.

Natasha, who did not wish to be identified because of her work, was one of the advisers at the college.

She said: “Young people in the 16 to 24-year-old bracket are actually the most at risk when it comes to domestic violence.

“I think it’s probably because at that age they are still getting to know themselves and understanding their own lifestyles and relationships, and sometimes don’t really know what is normal in a relationship.

“I think a lot of young people assume domestic violence and abuse is just the physical aspect, but there are also other kinds of abuse, whether it be psychological, emotional or sexual.

“That’s why we wanted to visit Swindon College and New College this week to raise awareness of domestic abuse and let them know where they can seek advice and help, and to tell them a little bit about Swindon Women’s Aid and that the services we offer are for males and females.”

The number of young people affected by domestic abuse from partners is growing, with more referrals from schools, social services and the police, prompting Swindon Women’s Aid to work to arm youngsters with the confidence and knowledge to avoid violent relationships.

Jo Heaven, business development manager at Swindon Women’s Aid, said: “When you think of young love, walks in the park, kissing in the back row of the cinema or a box of chocolates comes to mind.

“However, for 25 per cent of girls and 18 per cent of boys aged between 16 and 25 they are the victims of relationship violence.

“Derogatory remarks and moody silences are replaced with threats, assault and rape, with many young people feeling this is a normal relationship as it’s what they have witnessed with their own parents, within their peer groups or from the media.”

As part of the charity’s work to tackle the problem among young people the young persons domestic violence advisers will hold weekly drop-in sessions, alternately at New College and Swindon College every Thursday.

Jo said: “Swindon Women’s Aid has recognised this under-reported problem and, through a grant from the Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon in 2013, has been able to employ a dedicated young persons independent domestic violence adviser to work with the highest risk cases.”

Between April 2012 and March 2013 more than 2,450 incidents of domestic were reported to Wiltshire Police in Swindon, but it is estimated only 20 per cent of all incidents are ever reported.

Last year the law on domestic violence was extended to include 16 and 17-year-olds and dedicated support is now available for youngsters being abused in relationships, not just the effects of violence between their parents.

If you are affected, call Swindon Women’s Aid on 01793 610610, or check out www.swindonwomensaid.org