Alarming rise in abusive teen relationships in the UK sparks urgent warnings

Published: 13 August. the English Chronicle Desk. English Chronicle Online

A growing number of teenagers in the UK are experiencing abusive relationships, with domestic abuse charities reporting a disturbing rise in incidents among young people under 25. Exclusive data shared with Sky News by Refuge, a leading domestic abuse charity, indicates that between April 2024 and March 2025, psychological abuse was the most prevalent form of harm, affecting 73% of young women and girls who came forward. Alarmingly, 49% of those affected reported threats of harm from their abuser, and 35% said they had been threatened with death. Among the 62% who reported physical violence, half disclosed instances of strangulation or suffocation.

Survivors like Marnie, who entered her first serious relationship at 16, recount the insidious effects of coercive control and manipulation. She described constant phone monitoring, restrictions on seeing friends, and an ever-present fear induced by her abuser’s behaviour. Only a decade later, Marnie realized the full psychological toll when she was diagnosed with PTSD, highlighting the lasting impact of such abuse on young people’s mental health.

Experts warn that early exposure to misogynistic attitudes and violent behaviours is increasingly common, with children as young as nine asking about strangulation and violent pornography in school settings. Kate Lexen, director of services at Tender, which runs workshops on healthy relationships in primary and secondary schools, emphasizes the importance of prevention education. She notes that without early intervention, misogynistic behaviour can escalate into abusive relationships, causing long-term harm to victims and society.

The dynamics of abuse among young people are evolving. Elaha Walizadeh, senior programme manager at Refuge, notes a rise not only in psychological abuse but also in non-fatal strangulation cases. She explains that abuse often begins subtly, with coercive control and isolation, before escalating into more overtly harmful behaviours. Frontline workers consistently report that young people initially experience small but controlling actions from their partners, which gradually intensify into serious abuse.

Charities working with youth stress that recognizing the early warning signs of abusive relationships is crucial. These include monitoring and controlling behaviour, isolation from friends and family, verbal aggression, and intimidation. As the prevalence of such abuse grows, professionals underscore the need for increased awareness, early education, and robust support systems for young victims.

The trend revealed by the data paints a stark picture: the combination of coercive control, psychological manipulation, and escalating physical violence is creating a generation of young people vulnerable to long-term trauma. With prevention education and targeted intervention, experts hope to reverse these alarming patterns and provide young people with the knowledge and resources to navigate relationships safely.