Need Support?

Youth Realities

Referral Form

Youth Realities is a youth-led charity addressing teenage relationship abuse through creative education and specialist, survivor-centred support.

We support young people aged between 11-25, living, studying or in close proximity to the Borough of Barnet.

Love doesn't hurt

Do you no longer feel safe and happy in your relationship?

Sometimes we feel a little unsure about our relationships, maybe something has changed and you aren’t as happy as you used to be, are scared and feel as though you’re ‘walking on eggshells’.

Sometimes, we know exactly what we are experiencing, but we just don’t know what to do next.

to help you understand relationship abuse better, watch our short animations below, created by students from Middlesex University

Terry’s story: Example of Financial/economic abuse

Clara’s story: Example of Coercive control and emotional abuse

My Kitten Story: Example of Online grooming and child sexual exploitation

Leah’s story: Example of Physical abuse

It’s important to note that while the above highlight examples of specific types of abuse, there is often a tandem into/from other types of abuse. For example, when financial abuse is happening there is also usually emotional abuse present in the relationship as well.

Themes of abuse that appear in the animations include:

Emotional abuse: any behaviour that impacts your mental health and emotional wellbeing, often happening alongside other forms of abuse and can have physical and mental health impacts, such as depression and anxiety, eating disorders, self harm and more.
Coercive control: Any behaviour/acts of intimidation, humiliation, threats or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, frighten and control you.
Physical abuse: Physical forms of violence that cause you harm, breaks objects or damages property. This can also include making you harm yourself, restraining you or using violence to intimidate you e.g. punching a wall
Online grooming: When someone 18+ uses tactics and behaviours to form an emotional connection with someone under 18, usually with the intention to exploit or sexual abuse them.
Financial/economic abuse: Abuse that involves the control of money and finances including access to financial stability such as not letting you get a job

You are never alone and there are people that care about you and want you to feel safe and happy. The first step is to reach out and talk to somebody.

If you are in need of urgent, emergency help, always call 999. If you cannot speak, press 55 on your keypad and the police will know it is an emergency. Listen out closely for instructions so help can arrive as quickly as possible.

Domestic abuse impacts 1 in 3 young people, and it must always be taken seriously – check out our programmes to see what we can help you with, and find some other important details below for more available specialist support, 24/7, for you when you need it most.

0808 2000 247

National Domestic Abuse Helpline

The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is run by Refuge and available 24/7, all year round. Call to speak to a specialist advisor for guidance, safety planning, access to a refuge (emergency accommodation if you’re unsafe at home) and advise on legal support available to you.

0800 970 2070

National Centre for Domestic Violence

The NCDV is an organisation that helps survivors access free legal support, such as injunctions (restraining orders) that will legally prevent your ex-partner from contacting you, coming near your property/ school/ work or your children. Most injunctions are obtained within 24hrs.

0800 999 5428

GALOP (LGBTQ+)

Galop is a specialist LGBT+ anti-violence charity that supports victim-survivors access emotional support, housing, legal advice and sexual violence support.

0808 8010327

Men's Advice Line

MAL is a specialist freephone support service for male victim-survivors of domestic abuse. Open 9am – 8pm Monday – Friday and 12pm – 4pm on weekends.

0800 1111

Childline

Childline is a free, 24/7, helpline for children and young people offering counselling and advice. Contact them any time, with any issue, for judgement-free support.