Family Solicitors

Tower Hamlets Council is encouraging young adults in the borough to enter a competition telling the council what they think makes a healthy relationship.

The campaign is to help tackle the issue of domestic violence – and participants up to the age of 24 have the chance to win £100 in vouchers by taking part in the competition, which involves submitting a poster, video, presentation or written work.

The winning poster will be used in a campaign at bus stops in the borough, to raise awareness of the issues surrounding domestic violence.

The competition closes on March 27 and is being run by the council’s Domestic Violence and Hate Crime Team, funded by Public Health – and will target all forms of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

The council is also recruiting young VAWG champions to speak of their experiences and develop advice and training for other young people.

The council wants young adults to take the lead in raising awareness and offering help and support to others who have experienced domestic abuse.
The council says that by empowering young people to be the leads in their community, a difference can be made in the future.

Tower Hamlets has one of the youngest populations of any area in London – 20% of residents are aged below 16.

Mayor of Tower Hamlets, John Biggs, said:

“This competition is part of the council’s wider work with young people to raise awareness of violence against women and girls.

“It is vital that this next generation of young people understands that no person should be treated badly in their relationships.”

Tower Hamlets Cabinet Member for community safety, Councillor Shiria Khatun added:

“I urge all young people in the borough to take part in this competition – this is a real opportunity for them to show off their talents, possibly win a prize and make a difference to their community.”

Application packs have been provided to schools and are also available from the council’s Domestic Violence & Hate Crime team at vawg@towerhamlets.gov.uk.

Research suggests that women aged 16-24 are at greatest risk of sexual violence, but young women who fall pregnant and young adults in the LGBT community also have a higher risk of experiencing domestic violence, according to Home Office figures.

The law now protects 16- and 17-year-olds from domestic abuse – the British Crime Survey 2009-2010 found that 16-19-year-olds were the group most likely to suffer abuse from a partner.

Duncan Lewis Domestic Violence Solicitors

Duncan Lewis domestic violence solicitors can advise on how to tackle domestic abuse within the law, including domestic abuse between partners and spouses, same sex partners or spouses, child-parent abuse, elder abuse, abuse between friends and flatmates, as well as advising on controlling behaviour, psychological abuse and financial abuse within a relationship.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and Duncan Lewis advises on domestic violence under UK law and Islamic law.

The domestic violence team at Duncan Lewis can also advise on FGM, forced marriage and honour crimes, as well as child abuse within the home.

For expert legal advice on domestic abuse issues, call Duncan Lewis domestic violence solicitors in confidence on 0333 772 0409.