Dumfries and Galloway schools urged to improve curriculum on relationship abuse
87% of young people claim schools fall short on teaching relationship topics.
An education charity is encouraging schools in the region to teach students the signs of unhealthy relationships.
New research by Let Me Know highlights that seven in ten young adults aged 16-25 have experienced a form of relationship abuse, however, 60% can’t identify the signs of an unhealthy relationship after never being taught much if at all anything on the matter.
The charity’s CEO Deidre Kehoe explained to Greatest Hits Radio the difference between a healthy and unhealthy relationship:
“Healthy could be signs like: kindness, setting clear boundaries so everybody understands what’s wanted from the relationship, having fun, owning actions, having healthy conflict because that’s normal not to agree all the time but being able to resolve it is really important.
“But unhealthy signs can vary from: intensity, so when someone expresses really extreme feelings and over the top behaviours, or manipulation when someone tries to control your decisions, actions and emotions, or maybe something like guilting when someone makes you feel responsible for their actions or makes you feel like it’s your job to keep them happy.”
Kehoe adds that all of these behaviours are not always easy to identify, it’s not always “black or white” as not every abusive relationship is physical. It can vary from mental and verbal abuse as well.
This adds fuel to the fire when the charity finds that 87% of young people believe schools should be doing more to educate students on topics such as relationships, abuse, and sexual health.
Kehoe says that schools are responsible for teaching this in health and wellbeing classes:
“Schools are required to deliver an expanded relationships on sex education curriculum now but what we’re finding is that teachers lack the time or resources or expertise or confidence to do that in a way that really connects with people.”
Not only does this leave young adults with a lack of knowledge on the subject, but also stuck on where and who they can turn to for help.
We’ve been speaking with the Wigtownshire Women’s Aid on what support they can provide:
“We offer one-to-one, face-to-face support in a safe, familiar environment such as schools, cafes, in our cars or in their homes. We aim to establish a trusting relationship with the young person in the hope that they can open up to us so that we can support them with the abuse they are experiencing and to make healthy relationship choices.”
Group activities are also an option where they are given the chance to meet others who are experiencing similar traumas. They believe this is a good way for friendships to form and become supportive of each other.
The WWA strongly feel its important to arm pupils with information to help them safe and healthy relationships choices.
“Along with one-to-one sessions, we attend most secondary schools within our region to raise awareness of domestic/relationship abuse to students S3 and upwards. This is when young people are most likely to begin relationships of their own. Our presentations inform them what relationship abuse is and where to get support.”
A Dumfries and Galloway Council spokesperson says school nurses are also available for students to raise any relationship concerns and Police Scotland have Youth Engagement Officers in the region’s schools who can help advise.
The spokesperson adds: “Council Youth Work in Dumfries and Galloway are very proactive and work with a number of young people raising awareness of issues including gender equality and violence against women.
“Staff undertake a variety of activities with young people and examples of activity included with workshops within schools on healthy relationships and on domestic abuse and where to get support; delivery of the Toon incorporating raising awareness of domestic abuse; and seasonal awareness campaigns.”
Deidre Kehoe also mentions what to do if you’re unsure on what to do:
“Trust your instincts. If you think something isn’t right, the chances are it is not right. If you’re having doubts, please speak to somebody you trust about how you’re feeling and just to get another perspective. It’s so important you tell people how you are feeling.”