Harmful narratives about domestic abuse persist in our society. They can include questioning “why doesn’t the victim just leave?”. They might mean believing in a hierarchy of abuse, where physical abuse is taken more seriously than other forms.

Stereotypical characterisations of how a victim should behave and what a perpetrator looks like remain. Overall, a lack of understanding and awareness serves to silence and exclude those most affected.

Research I conducted in West Yorkshire revealed that these narratives are entrenched within social services, the legal system, the police and wider society. Dispelling these ideas about domestic abuse is vital if people affected are to get the support they need.

Many of those needing support are teenagers. UK data shows that young people aged between 16 and 19 are among the groups most affected by domestic abuse. Despite these figures, educational guidance does not prepare students to recognise or respond to abusive relationships adequately.

Harassment and the normalisation of harmful behaviour are widespread in schools. Research from schools inspectorate Ofsted has found that nine in ten girls have experienced sexist name-calling or unsolicited sexual images. It’s critical that education aimed at stopping harmful........

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