Thousands of pupils taught 'red flags' of abuse

Sharon Brown of the domestic abuse service said educating young people was vital to stop the "perpetrators" of the future

More than 3,300 pupils in a county were taught about domestic abuse and how to recognise the signs of coercive control last year.

Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services (NDAS) visited 29 schools to show children how to spot the red flags of controlling and manipulative behaviour, as well as misogyny.

The charity's CEO Sharon Brown said the murder of 15-year-old Holly Newton, from Hexham, by an ex-boyfriend highlighted the need for healthy relationships education to be a part of the curriculum for all children.

She said even the "strongest, most confident" person could become a victim and more needed to be done to stop young people becoming "perpetrators of abuse".

The service was set up 20 years ago and was called 60 80 30 after its memorable phone number, which it has kept.

Last year, it helped 550 victims in the county and 465 in the previous year, and Ms Brown said the number had been rising steadily year on year.

The charity believes the murder of Holly Newton highlights the need for young people to learn more about healthy relationships

"Making that phone call to get help is often the biggest hurdle, sometimes abuse has been going on for decades," Ms Brown said.

"Our poster has been on the inside of pub toilet doors for a long time, we have a solid footprint in the county.

"People know us and trust us and know they will be believed and treated non- judgementally and with sensitivity."

NDAS has been awarded £425,000 over five years by the National Lottery Community Fund and Ms Brown wants to do more work in schools raising awareness.

'Break cycle of abuse'

The Northumberland Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board estimates about 64,764 residents aged between 16 and 74 have experienced some form of domestic abuse.

The board also said that in 2023, 18% of recorded crimes in the Northumbria Police force area were classified as domestic abuse-related - a 1% increase on the previous year.

About 6% of abuse victims asking for help nationally are also male and in Northumberland the figure is the same.

"The figures are staggering and a stark reminder of the scale of domestic abuse.

"We are working every day to provide support to those affected by this hidden epidemic," Ms Brown said.

"Our services are crucial to helping victims find safety, rebuild their lives, and break the cycle of abuse - the need for our work has never been more pressing."