This is abuse - teen domestic violence isn't ok

I was pleased to hear about a new campaign that has been launched to try and wipe out domestic violence amongst teenagers. Being a grandmother to six, I hear my fair share of tales about boyfriends, girlfriends and young love. One thing you never want to hear is that young people are taking each other for granted and not being respectful of one another.

A series of TV ads and a short film have been produced as part of the government's This is abuse campaign. The ads show young people in a variety of settings and explains some aspects of abusive behaviour.

If you're a young person or are close to someone that is, make sure you have a look at the This is abuse YouTube channel. If you suspect that someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, you might find information about Crimestoppers' domestic violence campaign helpful.

Take it from me, your younger years are for having fun so make the most of them while you can!

When crime gets meaty

I read a story in today's paper about a woman in America who is facing domestic abuse charges for hitting her terminally ill partner with a piece of raw steak. The fight was reportedly sparked when Peter Schabhuttl said he would prefer to have a bread roll than a slice of bread with his dinner.

Once you get over the bizarreness of this story (it's not everyday you hear of someone being beaten with a steak), it serves as a reminder about domestic violence, especially over the festive season. Elsie Egan claimed that she hit her disabled partner several times with the meat to "teach him a lesson." When one person in a relationship is abusive to the other, be it a man or a woman, it is always wrong.

Domestic violence rises over the holiday season. Most families fight from time to time, but to include violence in rows is always wrong. Crimestoppers can take information from third parties about those who are violent towards their families. You can read more about this on the Crimestoppers website.