On a date? Here’s how to spot the red flags early

CHENNAI: In many families, dating is still taboo. And when young people face violence from partners, they often feel they have no one to turn to for help. That’s why, this year, the International Foundation for Crime Prevention and Victim Care (PCVC) aims to create awareness on dating violence among young adults as part of an online and offline campaign for 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. It will kick off on November 25, which is also observed as International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

“We thought about focussing on dating violence even before the Shraddha Walkar case broke. Young people often can’t tell families they are in a relationship, so there is no way they can tell them that they are in a violent relationship,” says Swetha Shankar, senior director, programmes, PCVC

Online campaigns focus on providing clear information on identifying red flags and early signs of a controlling or abusive partnership, how to respond, seek help, available resources, etc. There will also be information for bystanders and family members on early intervention and how they can support the person facing violence.

“You have to create a space where your child can talk to you when things are bad. You cannot stop them from making choices, but if something goes wrong, they should be able to reach out to you,” says Swetha. “Otherwise, even when they are in an escalating system of violence, they feel like they cannot go anywhere and are stuck in the relationship as they are completely isolated from their support systems. ”

As part of the campaign, on-ground sessions will be conducted on the same topics in educational institutions and for community groups targeting young people and parents.

“Sessions are planned with VIT-AP School of Social Science and Humanities, Centre for Women Studies – WCC, Association for Non-traditional Employment of Women and Tamil Nadu Domestic Workers Welfare Trust and others,” says Swetha. The sessions are planned with mental health workers too.