38 percent of the girls in grade nine, who have had a relationship, have been exposed to violence.
This is shown by a new study from the Allmänna Barnhuset Foundation and the Equality Authority.
– Men’s violence against women begins with boys’ violence against girls, says Zandra Kanakaris, lawyer and general secretary of the support platform Young Relationships.
Zandra Kanakaris works to give young people tools to identify violence in love relationships and make them understand what a healthy relationship should be – and has written a book on the subject.
– We have to start early with these talks. Both what are decent relationships, what is bad and what violence can look like.
Young people often testify about psychological violence
It is also important to point out that there are different types of violence, according to Zandra Kanakaris. It is precisely psychological violence that young people most often testify about when they turn to her and the colleagues at Young Relationships for the first time.
– But then it is rare that you might describe it as violence yourself, because you don’t know that it is a type of violence, she says.
Warning signs: Jealousy and control
To detect violence in relationships, there are several warning signs to look out for. Some first signs are often controlling behaviour, jealousy or isolation.
– It very rarely starts with an ear file on the first date. It creeps in, and the control and power comes very early and can often be disguised in caring gestures like “I’m worried about you, I drive you everywhere”, and control of digital media.
“It is possible to leave”
Most people who turn to the support platform Young relationships are under 18, i.e. children. She urges vulnerable young people to tell an adult they trust – or seek anonymous support.
– It is never your fault, and it is possible to leave, says Zandra Kanakaris.
For the environment and as a relative, for example a parent or friend, it is especially important to be there just when someone is about to leave a violent relationship – and afterwards.
– Then you need extra help and support, because that’s when it can unfortunately become more dangerous, says Zandra Kanakaris.
You can turn here if you need help:
If you need urgent help: call 112
The police: 114 14
The women’s peace line: 020-50 50 50
Riksförbundet Unizon: www.unizonjourer.se
BRIS support line for children and young people: 116 111
BRIS support line for adults: 077–150 50 50
The Crime Victims’ Helpline provides support to those who have been victims of crime: 116 006
Roks – The national organization for women’s shelters and girls’ shelters in Sweden: 08-442 99 30
Today 09:51
“Vital to take young people’s relationships seriously”
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