Domestic abuse services issue love bombing warning

Jo Baldwin from the Oasis Domestic Abuse Service said this form of abuse "often follows a cycle"

Domestic abuse services across Kent are urging people to be aware of the dangers of "love bombing" this Valentine's Day.

This manipulation tactic is often used by abusers to overwhelm a partner with affection and declarations of love as a way of gaining power and control.

Jo Baldwin, children and young people's service manager at the Oasis Domestic Abuse Service said this abuse "often follows a cycle".

She said there was a "honeymoon" period of "love bombing" before "tension building as the abuse starts" then "a growing sense of danger, followed by explosion" which repeats again and again.

According to the Office for National Statistics, about 2.3m people aged 16 and over experienced domestic abuse in England and Wales in year ending March 2024.

Moreover, the Children's Commissioner found that more 24,000 children in Kent and Medway were living in a household where an adult was experiencing domestic abuse.

Roger Gough, leader of Kent County Council and a White Ribbon Ambassador, said: "Many people may receive lots of romantic messages and gestures on Valentine's Day but will nonetheless spend the day in fear whilst still expected to be a loving partner and pacify their abuser."