Ahead of Galentine's Day on Sunday, Jennifer Zamparelli chats to CEO of Women's Aid, Sarah Benson about their 'Too Into You' campaign.
The 'Too Into You' campaign aims to raise awareness of intimate relationship abuse among young people ages 18-25 in Ireland.
"The word 'domestic violence' doesn't really land with younger people," says Sarah. "'Domestic' suggests that you're living with somebody. 'Violence' often makes people think of physical violence but that isn't what an abusive relationship is always out."
In 2011, Women's Aid started targeting campaigns towards younger women in Ireland when worrying statistics came to light about how common unhealthy relationships can be and how early they can start.
"One in five young women will experience abuse from a current or former male partner by the age of 25. 51% below the age of 18. So we can't ignore this but at the same time, with these early relationships, it's about modelling what is a healthy relationships."
Speaking on the intensity of relationships between younger people, Sarah reminds listeners that even a short relationship can make a big impact on someone. She also notes that it can be hard for people to distinguish certain behaviours as being unhealthy if they seemed very romantic to begin with.
"This thing of being love-bombed, you know, that constant attention that can then slip into a little bit controlling, a little bit monitoring, a little bit isolating."
While jealousy may seem somewhat romantic, Sarah insists that it can be a bit of a red flag because "it really shows a possessiveness so it tends to show that somebody feels that their partner is more of a possession than an equal."
For friends on the outside looking in, Sarah suggests checking out the Too Into You website for tips on starting conversations or call Women's Aid on 1800 341 900.
Overall, though, she says it's about keeping things simple with open, non-judgemental questions, for example, 'You don't seem yourself, how are you doing?' or simply 'Are you ok?'.
"We know that about a third of women who experience abuse - including younger women - never tell anybody. Never tell anyone."
By catching sight of the warning signs early, Sarah says that these behaviours can be spoken about within the relationship and possibly rectified. If that same behaviour persists, however, you may be on track to an abusive relationship.
For more information, visit Too Into You or Women's Aid.
