As the 16 Days of Action campaign returns, shining an international spotlight on violence against women and girls, a Swindon charity has been stepping up its work with young people. Society Without Abuse (SWA) has been delivering focused lessons and guidance at New College Swindon, aiming to give students the confidence to recognise what a healthy relationship looks like — and what it does not.
SWA’s team has been working across both campuses, leading sessions on warning signs of controlling behaviour, consent, boundaries and how to handle conflict without things escalating. Alongside the classroom work, students have been able to speak with specialists informally, ask questions and pick up advice in a way that feels approachable rather than intimidating.
The charity says the work is more important now than ever. Young people aged 16 to 25 are currently the fastest-growing group at risk of domestic abuse, with many encountering troubling behaviour long before they recognise the pattern behind it. For SWA, early intervention is key to breaking that cycle.
The campaign will continue into December, when SWA teams up with Paragon and FearFree to run two online training events: one for professionals such as teachers, youth workers and support staff, and another tailored for parents. The aim is to strengthen the network around young people, ensuring adults know how to spot problems early and respond with confidence. Parents will also be able to submit questions for the experts to cover.
“Education is a powerful prevention tool,” said Emma Maclennan, Children and Families Manager at SWA. “By engaging directly with young people, as well as the adults in their lives, we are helping build a future where healthy, respectful relationships are the norm and where abuse has no place.”
SWA’s HOPE Award, which celebrates schools and colleges committed to supporting healthy relationships, is also gathering momentum. Nine Swindon schools have already achieved the award, with others — including New College — close behind.
Emma added: “New College has shown real dedication to making sure students receive ongoing education and guidance on healthy relationships. Their focus on creating a better future for their students is incredibly positive, and we look forward to presenting them with their award soon.”
Information about the free online sessions can be found on Eventbrite, and anyone seeking confidential advice can contact Swindon’s domestic abuse helpline on 01793 610610.
