Parents warned over coercive teen relationships

Parents are being urged to look out for signs that their children may be facing coercion and control.

The Let's Talk project offers online practical advice to help adults speak to their children about difficult issues without fear or judgement.

"As a society now, we kind of expect parents to be nutritionists, to be psychiatrists and to be educationalists," said Rebecca Hewitt, South Devon and Dartmoor Community Safety Partnership, which is running the project.

"There's so much pressure on parents. The theme of Let's Talk is very much be a parent, love, support, listen and develop communication."

Hewitt warned that many teenagers, especially girls, faced subtle but serious changes in their relationships.

"We see control and coercion in relationships with young people far too often," she said.

"Social media and pornography is where a lot of young people are drawing their life experiences. The online world, is telling them that's how it's supposed to be."

Hewitt encouraged parents not to panic when raising sensitive topics. "The big thing for us is don't be afraid, but it won't go away if you don't try and get a solution," she said.

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez described violence against women and girls as an epidemic.

"Most women have been a victim of some sort, whether it's from street harassment all the way up to non-fatal strangulation or even murder," she said. "It is time for men to help us to step up and change their behaviours."

The scheme is now growing after the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner confirmed £100,000 of new funding to support the online sessions.

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