Safeguarding and Prevent issues can often involve unhealthy relationships.
This can include any unwanted experiences, from name calling to groping and other more serious violations and unfortunately, sometimes, people do not realise that the relationship they are in is unhealthy.
Please look at the below table of sexual violence statistics in further education settings, from ‘National Union of Students (NUS) June 19 report on Sexual Violence in Further Education: A study of students’ experiences and perceptions of sexual harassment, violence and domestic abuse in further education.’
Some toxic relationships can include one party being all take, no give, feeling drained, lack of trust, hostile atmosphere, occupied with imbalance, constant judgement, persistent unreliability and even nonstop narcissism. However, this doesn’t always manifest and does not mean it is always a Prevent or Safeguarding concern.
https://www.healthline.com believes that a healthy relationship is best described as interdependent. Interdependence means you rely on each other for mutual support but still maintain your identity as a unique individual. In other words, your relationship is balanced. You know you have their approval and love, but your self-esteem doesn’t depend on them.
FREE APP
An App has been designed for teenagers in the hopes that they learn what a healthy relationship is and take this knowledge with them through life.
This can be found on; Google Play Store or Apple App Store
Search ‘QMC Wellbeing’
Once you have downloaded it you will need to create your own sign in (username and password) and the pass number is 1443.
Whilst this is aimed at teenagers, it is open to anyone and you may find some useful information.
Please also remember to look after yourselves when discussing any of these topics with anyone, it can be quite distressing, a healthy diet, exercise and plenty of sleep is the best way to look after yourself and you could try meditation or yoga too.
SR Apprenticeships have a dedicated Safeguarding and Prevent Officer and also an exhaustive list of signposting details and contacts should you require them.
