Is this love?

Domestic violence and relationship abuse

The FPA Is This Love? project aims to reduce the number of young people in, or at risk of, an abusive relationship.

The project is a partnership with the youth homelessness charity Centrepoint.

Why this project is needed

Homeless young people are some of the most disadvantaged and socially excluded in our society.

Previous FPA projects have highlighted that some young people have high tolerance for emotional abuse, which puts them at the risk of experiencing other forms of abuse in their personal relationships.

Domestic abuse or violence is often one of the reasons that young people leave home and need support from Centrepoint.

We think it's vital to educate, support and encourage young people to have healthier relationships free from abuse.

Who we help

Is This Love? supports homeless 16–25 year olds, living in Centrepoint's temporary accommodation, who have experienced relationship abuse.

The project is currently delivered at Centrepoint services across London.

How we work

We run sessions for small groups of young people to explore issues around domestic violence and abusive relationships.

We help them identify healthy and abusive relationships, including spotting the warning signs, developing communication skills, self esteem and confidence and managing risky situations.

Project aims and outcomes

Homeless young people will:

• Gain support to understand and deal with abusive relationships.

• Be better able to manage risky relationship and sexual situations.

• Get help to develop better coping strategies.

• Know how to access helpful services.

• Be equipped with healthy self-esteem and effective communication skills.

Is This Love? for professionals

FPA also delivers training for Centrepoint staff on domestic violence and relationship abuse.

The training equips staff to recognise the signs of abuse and be more knowledgeable and confident about supporting young people on abuse in personal or sexual relationships.

How we're funded

Is This Love? was funded by Comic Relief.