Relationship Violence: Introduction

Sadly, there has always been violence in relationships.  But we are becoming increasingly aware of a cultural shift whereby young people see this violence as normal – not something that is shocking.

As a direct result of this normalisation, many young people are not reporting the crimes committed against them, they do not seek help or support and do not try to leave the abuser.

When and why did this shift occur?  How do we counter it? What is the role of on-line pornography in generating this violence and how do we show young people that relationships, especially sexual ones, should never include violence?