New research from the education charity Let Me Know (LMK) highlights a concerning gap in young adults’ awareness of unhealthy relationship signs, with 60% unable to recognise them. Compounding this issue, the 2024 study revealed that a staggering 71% of 16-25-year-olds have encountered relationship abuse, nearly half within the last year alone.
In response, LMK is addressing this crisis through its ’10 Signs’ workshops, aimed at educating young people on distinguishing and addressing unhealthy relationship behaviours.
Source: Youtube – LMK (Let Me Know)The study also points to the complicating role of social media and technology in relationship abuse. A significant portion of respondents reported discomfort from being tracked by a partner through apps or devices, with abusive interactions predominantly occurring on platforms like Snapchat and Instagram.
Highlighted abusive behaviors on these platforms include receiving excessive messages, controlling social media activities, and unsolicited sharing of private images. Unfortunately, less than half of the surveyed young adults have received education on the dangers of sharing or taking nude pictures.
Deirdre Kehoe, CEO of Let Me Know, expressed deep concern:
“The research findings are alarming and emphasize the importance of young people understanding signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships… At LMK, we are committed to creating a world in which relationship abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault no longer exist.”
LMK’s prevention programme and ‘Know The Signs’ film, available on their website, form part of a broader effort to educate young people on establishing and maintaining healthy relationships, aiming to eradicate relationship abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault through education.
To learn more about the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships and to view the ‘Know The Signs’ film, visit LMK’s website.
Source LMK
