Valentine’s Day should always be a celebration of love: the kind that lifts us up, makes us feel great and lets us be the most authentic version of ourselves. But what if we also used it as an opportunity to reflect on the ways we treat our partner, and behave in our relationship?
This Valentine’s Day, we’re encouraging everyone to take our short #AskYourself quiz to explore whether they are behaving lovingly and respectfully in their intimate relationship. Where that isn't the case, we're directing people to our helpline, the Respect Phoneline, which provides confidential, non-judgemental support to anyone concerned about their own behaviour.
Since 2000, Respect has specialised in addressing the root cause of domestic abuse: people behaving abusively. The charity has developed a range of responses to perpetrators of domestic abuse that prioritise the needs and wellbeing of the survivor.
This includes the Respect Phoneline, the UK’s only helpline, email, and webchat service for perpetrators of domestic abuse. The helpline exists to help people take the first step towards accountability and change, to prevent further harm and make their partners, ex-partners, and families safer. We offer confidential advice and guidance to anyone, regardless of sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Concerned friends, family, and practitioners can also call the helpline for advice and support.
Contacting the helpline is often the first time people talk about their behaviour, and it can represent the first step towards meaningful change. From there, they can get advice, signposting, and for some - a referral onto a perpetrator programme.
Respect’s Head of Services, Ippo Panteloudakis, says,
“It’s vital that we focus on the cause as well as the consequences of domestic abuse. We know that relationships don’t become abusive overnight, so encouraging people to take responsibility, reflect on their behaviour, and seek support at an early stage can prevent abuse from escalating.”
Take the #AskYourself quiz
Your responses are anonymous. We have no way of seeing who you are, or contacting you. If your results show you may need to reflect on your behaviour, you can access support via the Respect Phoneline.