Relationships and Abuse
The quality of our relationships determines the happiness of our lives.
What to look for in a relationship from the start:
Trust, support, no game playing or point scoring, the ability to be apart as needed, honesty, no fear or controlling each other and to act as equals without competition or conflict.
That all looks easy enough on paper, but it is actually quite hard to create a healthy relationship sometimes and it takes work, effort and a lot of listening to each other. It is vital that we recognise when a relationship goes bad and what signs to look for to help prevent us from unnecessary harm. This can often be very hard to see when we are in that harmful relationship, so simply deciding that we are open to advice from those who love and know us, can often be an enormously important protective factor.
Please explore the links we have chosen below to help your understanding and learning around this vital area of our lives.
- 24-hour National Domestic Violence freephone helpline: 0808 2000 247
- RESPECT – support for those exhibiting controlling behaviours 0808 802 4040
- Men’s Advice line: supports men with controlling partners 0808 801 0327
Helpful websites…
Here we have listed some helpful websites that may be able to answer questions you have around relationships and abuse. Take a look but if you still have questions then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us, we are here to listen to you and help you in any way we can.
Michelle is an experienced operational and strategic senior manager with 10 years experience in the NHS. She is currently studying an MBA in Strategic Management and recently accomplished the Board Directors Programme. Michelle has an interest in the governance and development of services.
Kelly is a registered nurse and has had a varied career that has crossed both education and health and usually involved supporting young people. She joined You Before Two in its infancy, initially to support with delivering Workshop around Sexual Health and Contraception as that was her ‘day’ job at the time. She has more recently moved into a Safeguarding Children’s role in nursing and so has become the Safeguarding Lead at the charity. Its great to see how You Before Two has grown in the last 3 years and it’s a pleasure to be part of it.
Andrea is from Brazil. She emigrated to England around 15 years ago and she loves it. She has always worked with people in her life, and it is something that really fills her soul. During her early years in Brazil, she used to work as a volunteer in her church providing free soup for people in need and also visiting hospitals trying to cheer up those in need of a chat or a cuddle. She has always believed that we should help each other and now more than ever. We are living in a very busy world where sometimes even when you are surrounded by many people you are still feeling lonely. Therefore she believes that if she could help the next generation to go through life without all the worries and concerns that she had when she was that age, is just an amazing opportunity.
Fiona has over 20 years experience as a Solicitor. She is a Senior Partner for a firm in Rotherham. Fiona has an avid interest in education and supporting young people in an increasingly challenging world. She has a wealth of experience of being on charity boards and is You Before Two’s legal and policy expert. Fiona has been with You Before Two since its inception and is a dedicated and dynamic member of the team.
The day you stop learning is the day you stop living.